ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than those for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, drug and alcohol use and family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, struggle with work or school, or have trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in a better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., 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 typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other documents from your childhood, as it will aid the doctor in gaining a better understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak to a spouse or family member, a co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They may 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.
You will be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, including the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulty with time management. It's crucial to be honest with your answers and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're not sure about your symptoms, you should consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. adhd diagnosing -tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult with your doctor before using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD begin by talking to your primary care physician. They can refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to be evaluated. 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 doctor as much detail as you can about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will review your mental, psychological and medical history, including past problems, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. He or she may also interview your children and spouse and coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include testing for behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide 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 signs of someone who is mostly inattention include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making erroneous mistakes. The person doing the evaluation 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.
These symptoms often appear in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives such as the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some instances the condition isn't recognized until a person has significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should do when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will talk to you and discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You may wish to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks as well as any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with functioning or development in multiple settings like school or at home. In addition, the symptoms cannot be explained better by another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD have problems well into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact both school and work. They can also lead to financial or health issues, and strain relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change with age, for instance the symptoms of inattention may become more evident as you age and impulsivity and hyperactivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can also cause problems. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses 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 inform your mental health professional because this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical specialist who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your locality. They may have assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact the insurance company you have to determine which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking 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 typically involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and your symptoms and will alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not have the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD can include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping abilities. For example, you might learn how to keep a planner in place or a journal, or you might be taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home rather than in a workplace and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less crowded. You may also want to inquire about taking part in clinical studies that is a research-based project that aims to explore new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has adhd diagnoses on clinical trials.)
You could be referred to an expert in mental health or another health care specialist by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact an local ADHD support group.