ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors use different clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, are having trouble at school or work, or have trouble staying focused in conversations. You're not crazy, and you can manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is a guideline for doctors to diagnose ADHD. 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 typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help your doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They may ask questions about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms interact with other disorders like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your lifestyle during the interview, and this includes how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It is essential to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to a different specialist or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests may even result in a false diagnosis, so it's best to talk to your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, start by talking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she might refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to identify mental disorders. It is important to provide as much details regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation might also talk to your children and spouse and coworkers, teachers and others who know you. Your evaluation could include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and can 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact school, work and social activities. 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life such as getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job or having financial issues, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step to do in the event that you suspect you might are suffering from ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and review your symptoms, medical history, and family history. The interview might also include questions about work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your daily life at home and in your relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documents that might be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one setting like school or at home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. Symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor financial or personal health and can cause stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you the passage of time. For example, inattentiveness may become more apparent as you age, and impulse control and hyperactivity can decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties. For instance the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common among people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other illnesses, it is crucial to tell your mental health professional as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They may have resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about the health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your present life and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapies help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate are frequently utilized for treating adults with ADHD. These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are beneficial for people with ADHD. Full Article include atomoxetine guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD can include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For instance, you could be taught how to use a planner or journals, or you might be taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of at a office and using apps on your phone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You might also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial, which is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred to the mental specialist or other health specialist by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations or call a local ADHD support group.