ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use a different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They might also talk with your spouse or other family members.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble at school or work, or are having trouble staying focused in conversations. "You know that you're not crazy, and it puts you in better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and psychiatry at 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 used by professionals 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 evaluation typically begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare provider who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects you. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You'll be asked questions about your lifestyle during the interview, and this includes the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills or if you experience difficulty with time management. It is important to be honest in your answers and take note of the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they aren't as reliable or reliable as an interview with a trained professional. Some of these tests might even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your physician prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you may have ADHD begin by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to be evaluated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing mental disorders. It is essential to provide as much details about your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to make an accurate assessment.
The person doing the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric history, including any past issues and ask you about how your symptoms impact your life. He or she will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and help to rule out other conditions that 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, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms interfere with school, work and social interactions. 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. They can also occur in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life like getting married, a job or moving into a new home. In some cases, the condition is not recognized until an adult is experiencing significant problems at work or in their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, a screening is the first step towards finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and review your symptoms along with your medical history, and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with relationships. You might want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months, and they should affect the development of a child or their functioning in multiple environments like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to work and school. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues, and strain relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.
Some signs of ADHD change with age, for instance the symptoms of inattention may become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could diminish as you age. Other factors can also contribute to the difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician who can refer you to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can provide information and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also contact the insurance company you have to determine which health care providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, including medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. adult diagnosis adhd 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, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They do not interfere with the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or a journal or taught strategies to improve your time management. You may also benefit from adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working from home rather than working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You might also want to inquire about participating in clinical studies that is a research-based project that aims to explore new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to a mental specialist or another health professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You can also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or join a local support group for people with ADHD.