ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors follow a different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol use and the family history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble at school or work, or have trouble staying focused in conversations. "You know that you're not crazy, and it puts you in a better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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) contains 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.
An ADHD evaluation typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help your doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your provider may ask to speak to a close family member, spouse, friend member or co-worker who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
You'll be asked about your life during the interview, including how often you forget to attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another practitioner or therapist if are unsure of your symptoms. There are self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor before using them.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you have ADHD. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional for assessment, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It's crucial to give your physician as much information as you can about your symptoms, so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests may provide your physician with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help 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 signs of an inattention type include trouble paying attention, missing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also assess how these symptoms 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life such as the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences major issues at work or with their relationships. This could include being fired, having financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional interviews you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your school and work performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You may be required to bring copies of report cards, teacher comments and any other documents that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must affect the development of a child or their functioning in multiple environments, such as school or home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be attributed to any other mental disorder, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to both school and work. They can also cause poor health or financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you age, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. link homepage can contribute to difficulties. For instance, obstructive sleeping apnea is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to inform your mental health professional if you have any other conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician, who can refer you to a health specialist who is trained in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They can provide information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to the insurance company you have to find out which health medical professionals are covered by the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a medical 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 life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at school, work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to transform negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also assist in the treatment of other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often co-exist with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants can also be employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They don't interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD can include coaching or mentoring to teach strategies and coping techniques. You might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown strategies for managing time. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could choose to work from your home instead of in an office, or use apps on your smartphone to track your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about taking part in an clinical study, which is a research endeavor designed to test new methods to treat conditions and diseases. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call the local ADHD support group.