ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol usage, and the family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, struggle with school or work or are having trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You aren't crazy, and this puts you in a better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., an associate 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) provides the guidelines that doctors and specialists use 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.
An ADHD assessment usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare professional who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining a better understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to speak with a spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects you. They could also inquire how ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview may include questions about your lifestyle such as how often you don't remember to pay bills or go to appointments, and if you struggle with time management or organizational skills. It's crucial to be honest with your answers and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another specialist or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD Begin by talking to your primary care provider. He or she may recommend you to a mental health professional for evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is essential to provide your physician as much information as possible regarding your symptoms so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will review your medical, psychological, and psychiatric background, including past issues, and ask about how your symptoms impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral, or learning disability tests. These tests can give your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you and 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, not noticing details or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also assess the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Often, these symptoms appear in the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children have been diagnosed or because of changes in their lives, such as an employment change or marriage, or a move to their own home. In some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has serious issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from work or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD A test is the first step to finding 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 may also include questions about your work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your home life and in your relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your reports, teacher's comments, and any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to establish the diagnosis. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and interfere with functioning or development in more than one environment like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must not be better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change as you age, for instance the symptoms of inattention may become more evident as you age, and hyperactivity and impulsivity may lessen as you get older. Other factors can also cause problems. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you have any other medical conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
adults diagnosed with adhd is crucial to speak to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire if there exist any support groups for adults with ADHD in your region. They can provide information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire about health care providers that are covered by your policy.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to determine if you have ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, your current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at work, in school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression that often co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are often used to treat adults with ADHD. These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and your symptoms, and adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you may be taught how to use a planner or keep journals, or you might be shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working at home instead of working in a place of work, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You might also inquire about joining clinical studies which is a research endeavor designed to explore new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health care professional by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.