ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors apply a different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than those for children and teens. adhd diagnose requires at minimum five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use, and the family history. They may also want to discuss your relationship with your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly 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 great relief. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in a better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is professor of psychiatry and psychology at 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 used by professionals 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.
A face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. diagnosed with adhd might ask you to speak with a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may ask questions about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine like how often you don't remember to pay your bills or attend appointments, and if you struggle managing your time or organization abilities. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different practitioner or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a trained professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your physician before using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD, start talking to your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to be evaluated. 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 information about your symptoms as you can so that your physician can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she may also interview your children and spouse, as well as teachers, colleagues and others who know you. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral, or learning disability tests. These tests will give 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include a lack of focus not paying attention to details, or making erroneous mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also examine how these symptoms interfere with work, school and social interactions. 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. They may also manifest in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life like the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other cases the condition is not recognized until an adult is confronted with significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD An assessment is the first step to finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. The interview might also include questions about work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your home life and in your relationships. You might want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in more than one setting, such as school or 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 are still struggling throughout their adulthood. Symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Some signs of ADHD alter as you age, for instance inattentive symptoms may become more noticeable as you age and impulsivity and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more prevalent in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you suffer from other conditions, it is important to inform your mental health professional because this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician, who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire if there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list by specialty of professionals. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should contain questions about your childhood, current life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medication. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that fits your body and symptoms, and alters the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They do not affect the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. For example, you might be taught how to use a planner or keep a journal or shown strategies for improving your time management. You can also benefit from adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of working in a place of work, using smartphone apps to track tasks or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You may 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 recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations, or contact a local ADHD support group.