ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults that they use for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use, and family history. adhd in adults diagnosis might also talk with your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood and if you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty in school or work, or have trouble staying focused when talking to others. "You aren't crazy, and it puts you in an ideal position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is a professor of psychiatry and psychology 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 assessment usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it will help the provider get a better understanding of your history with ADHD. Your provider may ask to talk to a friend, spouse, family member, or a coworker who knows you well. They may ask about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, such as how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulties managing your time. It's crucial to be honest in your answers and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a doctor or psychologist to conduct an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests can even lead to a false diagnosis, so it's advisable to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD Begin talking to your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, 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 provider as much information as possible regarding your symptoms so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she may also interview your spouse and children, as well as coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability tests. These tests will give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include difficulty paying attention, missing details or making mistakes. 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.
Often, these symptoms appear in the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives such as a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing serious issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being dismissed, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that might be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist make the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with development or functioning in more than one setting like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD have problems well into adulthood. These symptoms can impact work and school, 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.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Some other factors can cause problems such as obstructive sleep apnea is more frequent in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep disorders can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire if there exist any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide resources as well as a list by specialization of professionals. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire about health care providers that are covered by your policy.
Treatment
The most effective method to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The examination should include questions about your childhood, your current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medication. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and alters the dose and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or you may be taught strategies for managing time. You can also modify your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from your home instead of in an office, or use apps on your smartphone to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about participating in a clinical study, which is a research-based project that aims to test new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.