ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors follow an entirely different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than they do for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
Professionals who conduct an evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They might also talk with your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or are having trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in better 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), 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.
An ADHD evaluation 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 helpful to bring reports cards or other information from your childhood, as it can help the provider get more information about your past experiences with ADHD. Your provider may ask to talk to a friend, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They may ask about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects you. undiagnosed adhd in adults may also ask what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, and this includes the frequency you fail to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulty with time management. It is crucial to be honest with your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales online, however they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a trained professional. Some of these tests might even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you have ADHD. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, like 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's important to provide as much detail regarding your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to make a precise diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological, and psychiatric background, including past issues and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation might also talk to your spouse and children as well as teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can give your provider additional information about 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.
The symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess how these signs affect 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms when 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 other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could include being fired from a job, having financial problems or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms along with your medical history, and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You might want to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher notes and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months, and they should affect the development of a child or their functioning in multiple environments, such as school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to work and school. They can also cause poor health or financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Some signs of ADHD alter as you age, for instance attention deficit symptoms can become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could decrease as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. If you suffer from other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional because this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary care doctor, who will refer you to a health care professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list by specialty of specialists. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach to determine if you have ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at school, at work 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 called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to change negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is appropriate for your body and the symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when needed. Nonstimulants can also be employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you may learn how to use a planner or keep journals, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You can also modify your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from home instead of an office, utilize smartphone apps to track your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You might also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial which is a study trial designed to test new ways of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
You may be referred to the mental specialist or other health care professional by your family physician for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call the local ADHD support group.