ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors use an entirely different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, alcohol and drug usage, and your family history. They may also talk to your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or struggle to stay engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You know you're not crazy, and it puts you in a better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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 begins with a face-to–face conversation with your healthcare professional, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the provider determine the cause 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 perceive your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, including the frequency you fail to attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. adhd in adults undiagnosed to be honest with your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests may even lead to an incorrect diagnosis, so it's best to talk to your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental healthcare professional for assessment, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. 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 essential to provide your doctor as much detail as possible about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric background, including past issues, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can provide 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 an inattention type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also assess how these symptoms interfere with work, school 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. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or due to life changes such as a new job or marriage or move into their own home. In some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or with their relationships. This could include being fired, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step to do in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions about your work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your daily life at home and in relationships. You might want to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development or functioning of more than one setting for example, at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be attributed to any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way you work and at school. They can also cause financial or health issues, and strain relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can also contribute to 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 with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to consult your primary physician who can refer to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can provide assistance and a list professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to the insurance company you are with to find out which health healthcare providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate are frequently employed in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. There are also nonstimulants available, that do not affect the same brain pathways like psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping methods. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or a journal or shown strategies for improving your time management. You can also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of in a workplace or using apps on your smartphone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You might also inquire about taking part in an clinical study that is a research endeavor designed to test out new ways to treat conditions and diseases. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or a friend for suggestions, or connect with a local support organization for people suffering from ADHD.