ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors apply different clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at minimum five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask questions about your education, childhood, work, and family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and if you're constantly losing your keys, are having trouble with work or school or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. You know you're normal, and you can manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. a professor of psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) offers 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.
A face-toface meeting with your healthcare professional is usually the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to talk to a friend, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The interview is likely to include questions about your lifestyle such as how often you forget to pay your bills or go to appointments, and whether you have trouble managing your time or organizational skills. It's important to be honest in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another doctor or psychologist for an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a false diagnosis, so you should always consult your physician before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if think you might have ADHD. They may refer you to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). adults diagnosed with adhd is essential to provide your physician as much information as you can about your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will review your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. They may also interview your children and spouse and teachers, colleagues and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include behavioral, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests may provide your physician with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help determine if other conditions are 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also look at how these symptoms impact 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 typically manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or because of changes in their lives, such as the start of a new job or marriage, or a move to their own home. In some instances the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD A test is the first step to finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and examine your symptoms along with your medical history, and family history. The interview might also include questions about your work and school performance and how your symptoms impact your daily life at home and in your relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your reports, teacher's comments and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to establish the diagnosis. For the 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 setting for example, at school or at home. In addition, the symptoms are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to the way you work and at school. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues and stress relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common in people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health specialist who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups specifically for people with ADHD in your region. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of specialists. You can also reach out to the insurance company you are with to find out which health care providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms and how to change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when needed. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you could learn how to keep a planner in place or journals, or you might be shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could work from your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to inquire about joining clinical trials, which is a research trial designed to test new ways of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to the mental specialist or other health care professional by your family physician to assess your ADHD. You may also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can contact a local support group for people with ADHD.