ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, your alcohol and drug usage, and your family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with work or school, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is professor of psychology and psychiatry at 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) is a guideline for doctors 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 interview with your healthcare professional who will go over your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will aid the doctor in gaining more information about your history with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They could inquire about your relationship, 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 will likely be a discussion of your daily routine such as the frequency you fail to pay bills or make appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organization abilities. It is crucial to be honest with your answers and take note of the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. Ask adult diagnosis of adhd for a referral to another doctor or therapist if you are unsure about the symptoms. There are self-tests and rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a trained professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a false diagnosis, so you should always consult your healthcare provider prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD, start by speaking to your primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing mental disorders. It is essential to provide as much details regarding your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability tests. These tests can give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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 the primarily inattentional type include trouble paying attention, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also examine the impact these symptoms have on work, school and social 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 recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as a new job, a marriage or a move to their own home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until a person has significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from work, 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 towards finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional meets with you and examines 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 home life and in relationships. You may wish to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric practitioner utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or home. Additionally, the symptoms cannot be explained better by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way you work and at school. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues, and strain relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Other factors can cause problems. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common among adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary care doctor, who will refer you to a medical professional trained in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there exist any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They can provide resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire about health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The examination should include questions about your childhood, current life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including medication and counseling. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, that often co-exist with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms, and alters the dosage and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or learn strategies for managing time. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, or use apps on your smartphone to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in clinical trials that is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
You could be referred a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or friend for suggestions, or join a local support group for people with ADHD.