ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask questions about your education, childhood, work, and family history. They might also want to speak to your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work or struggle to stay 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, according to 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) offers guidelines for healthcare professionals 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 typically begins with a face-to–face conversation 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 aid the doctor in gaining more information about your experience with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The interview will likely include questions about your lifestyle such as how often you don't remember to pay your bills or attend appointments, or if you have trouble with time management or organizational skills. It's crucial to be honest in your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to a different practitioner or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could even lead to the wrong diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD, start by talking to your primary care provider. He or she might recommend you to a mental healthcare specialist for an evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 you can about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she will also interview your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can give your doctor additional information on 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention, omitting details or making careless errors. The person 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 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 because of life changes such as a new job or marriage, or a move to their own home. In some instances, the condition is not recognized until a person has significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD An assessment is the first step towards finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. The interview might also include questions about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms impact your home life and in your relationships. You may wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documents that may be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help determine the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms can affect work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common among adults with ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you have any other conditions. This could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your locality. They can provide resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also contact the insurance company you are with to find out which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
The most effective approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health care professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, current life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. My Web Site could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at work, 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 called 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 into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and alters the dosage and frequency as required. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They do not affect the same brain pathways as 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 abilities. For instance, you could learn how to keep a planner in place or journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could work from your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps 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 endeavor designed to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact the local ADHD support group.