ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors apply an entirely different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your education, childhood work, family, and history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. "You aren't crazy, and it puts you in an ideal position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5), provides guidelines for providers 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 go over your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to talk to a partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They could inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your daily routine during the interview, including the frequency you fail to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulty with time management. It is essential to be honest with your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on 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 aren't as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Some of these tests may result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may have ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis or she may refer you to an expert in mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to be evaluated. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is crucial to provide your doctor as much detail as possible about your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and others who know you well. Your evaluation may include tests for neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help to rule out other conditions causing 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 difficulty paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also look at how these symptoms interfere with 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after an event in their lives such as a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job and having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD A test is the first step towards finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional interviews you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions could be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You might be required to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other information that might be relevant.
The psychiatric professional uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to establish the diagnosis. For a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more prevalent in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is important to inform your mental health professional if you have any other conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you talk to your primary doctor who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They may have assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact the insurance company you are with to find out which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
The most effective approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a health care professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medications. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These kinds of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you and your specific symptoms and will adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you may learn how to keep a planner in place or journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working at home instead of in a workplace and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You may also want to inquire about taking part in clinical studies, which is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health care specialist by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You can also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.