ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at minimum five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused when talking to others. "You know that you're not crazy, and it puts you in a better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is an associate professor of psychology and psychiatry at 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) provides the guidelines providers use to make 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 assessment usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it will aid the doctor in gaining more information about your history with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak with a close family member, spouse, friend member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They might 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 depression or anxiety.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine such as how often you forget to pay your bills or make appointments, or if you struggle managing your time or organizational skills. It is important to be honest in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you are unsure of your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD, start by talking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she might refer you to a mental health professional for assessment, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 essential to provide your physician as much information as possible about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Click On this site will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your assessment may include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can help rule out other conditions that can 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 a person who is mostly inattention include difficulty paying attention, omitting details or making mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess how these signs affect school, work and even 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. However, they can be present in adulthood. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children have been diagnosed or because of life changes such as a new job, a marriage or a move to their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences major issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired from a job or having financial issues, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should do when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions regarding work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your home life and in your relationships. You may be required to bring copies of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help determine the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and interfere with functioning or development in more than one setting, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be attributed to any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can affect the way you work and at school. They can also cause poor health or financial issues, and strain relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with age. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can also contribute to the difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is important to inform your mental health professional that you have any other conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to speak to your primary physician who can refer to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide assistance and a list specialists by specialization. You can also reach out to the insurance company you are with to find out which health care providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
The most effective approach to determine if you have ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, that frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and will adjust the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD may include coaching or mentoring to teach strategies and coping skills. You may be taught how to make use of a diary or planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You could also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working at home instead of in a workplace, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less crowded. You may also wish to inquire about joining clinical trials that is a research study designed to test new methods of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask a family member or friend for suggestions, or contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.
