ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask you questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They might also talk with your spouse or other family members.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty with work or school or have trouble staying focused when talking to others. You're not alone, and you can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. is 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) provides the guidelines providers use to determine 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 begins with a face-to-face interview with your doctor who will go over your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other information from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining more information about your experience with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close family member, spouse, friend member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects you. They could also inquire how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked about your daily routine during the interview, including the frequency you fail to attend appointments or pay bills or if you're having issues with managing time. It is essential to be honest with your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to another doctor or psychologist for an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests can even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's recommended to consult your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if think you might be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to conduct an evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians for diagnosing mental disorders. It is essential to provide as much detail about your symptoms as possible to enable your doctor to make an accurate assessment.
The person who is evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and others who know you well. Your test may include neuropsychological, behavioral or testing for learning disabilities. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help to 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include a lack of focus and omitting important details or making careless errors. The person who evaluates the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on the school, work and 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.
These symptoms often appear in childhood. However, they can also be present in later life. adult adhd diagnoses may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life like getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In some instances the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired, facing financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should do in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to establish the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at least six months and interfere with the development or functioning of more than one environment like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must not be better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms can affect the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health and stress in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your quality of life.
Some symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may be more apparent as you age and impulsivity and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Other factors may cause problems such as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to 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 help eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional, as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They can offer resources and a list of specialties of specialists. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers who 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 regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments available for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These types of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and your symptoms, and alter the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They do not interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or a journal or taught strategies to improve your time management. You may also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working at home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial which is a study study designed to test new methods of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or contact a local support group for people with ADHD.