ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Professionals conducting an evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work or struggle to stay engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You aren't insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) contains the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to establish an ADHD diagnosis. Adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- 5 out of 9 over the past 6 months -- to be diagnosed with either inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a combination.
An ADHD evaluation usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare professional who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects your life. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview may include questions about your life such as the frequency you fail to pay bills or attend appointments, and whether you struggle managing your time or organization abilities. It is important to be honest in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to a different specialist or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Some of these tests might result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is crucial to provide your physician as much information as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric history, including past problems and ask you about how your symptoms impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and others who know you well. Your evaluation could include testing for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you and help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
In addition to evaluating your current symptoms, the professional will determine whether you have predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined type ADHD. To receive a diagnosis, you must show that you have at least six of the nine symptoms for either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
The signs of an inattention type include trouble paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on the school, work and personal life. The impulsive/hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD include fidgeting, difficulty sitting still or squirming in the chair, excessive talking and interrupting others, frequent blurting out answers before questions are finished and difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Often, these symptoms appear in childhood. They can also develop in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or because of life changes such as an employment change or marriage or move into their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences major issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should take in the event that you suspect you might are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and review your symptoms as well as your medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect your life at home and with relationships. You might want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric specialist uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one setting like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be explained by other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to both school and work. They can also lead to financial or health issues, and strain relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve the quality of your life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age and impulse control and hyperactivity can diminish with age. Other factors can also contribute to the difficulties. For instance, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in people with ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have any other medical issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional because this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can provide resources and a list of specialists with specialization. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about health care providers that are covered by your policy.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD, including counseling and medications. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, that often co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or the methylphenidate are frequently employed to treat adults with ADHD. These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and your specific symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They don't affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD may include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown time management strategies. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example, you could work at home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. getting a adhd diagnosis may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a mental health specialist or other health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call the local ADHD support group.