ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis 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 assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty with work or school, or have trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. You're not alone, and you can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5), provides guidelines for providers 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.
A face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the doctor understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to talk to a 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 and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The interview will likely be a discussion of your daily routine, such as the frequency you fail to pay your bills or attend appointments, and if you struggle managing your time or organization abilities. It is crucial to be honest in your answers and take note of how these behaviors affect your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another practitioner or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a qualified provider. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD Begin by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to conduct an evaluation. 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 is important to provide as much details about your symptoms as possible to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric background, including past issues, and ask about how your symptoms impact your life. They could also interview your children and spouse, as well as coworkers, teachers and other people who know you. Your test may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability tests. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and help to determine if other conditions are causing 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.
adhd adult diagnosis of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, missing details or making careless mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact school, work and social activities. 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 childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as a new job or marriage, or a move into their own home. In some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will talk to you and discuss your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions regarding work and school performance and how your symptoms impact your life at home and in your relationships. You might wish to bring copies of report cards, teacher's comments and any other documents that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist employs 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 symptoms, they have to be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with development or functioning in more than one setting for example, at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be attributed to any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor health and financial issues, and cause strain in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your quality of life.
Some symptoms of ADHD change with age, for example inattentive symptoms may become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could lessen as you age. Other factors can cause problems like obstructive sleeping apnea is more frequent in adults with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If you have other issues, it is essential to tell your mental health professional because this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important that you consult your primary physician who can refer to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your locality. They may have information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a health professional is the best method to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD which include medication and counseling. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also assist in dealing with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and will alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not have the same brain pathways like psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping methods. For instance, you could be taught how to use a planner or 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 at a office or using apps on your smartphone to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You might also inquire about taking part in an clinical study, which is a research project designed to test out new ways to treat conditions and diseases. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family doctor to assess your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or you can contact a local support group for those suffering from ADHD.