ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use 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.
Professionals conducting an evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know you're not crazy, and it puts you in an ideal position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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) is a guideline for doctors 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 the impact they have on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood to help the provider get an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak to a close family member, spouse, friend member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may ask questions about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The interview will likely be a discussion of your daily routine, such as the frequency you fail to pay bills or go to appointments, and if you struggle with time management or organization skills. It's essential to be honest in your answers and to consider how these habits impact your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare professional to refer you to another doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests may result in a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult your physician before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 offers guidelines for clinical care to identify mental disorders. It's important to provide as much detail regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can make an accurate assessment.
The person who evaluates you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your assessment may include testing for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can provide your provider with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and help rule out other conditions causing 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, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also look at the impact these symptoms have on school, work and social 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 also be present in adulthood. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or due to changes in their lives such as the start of a new job, a marriage or a move to their own home. In some cases, the condition is not recognized until an adult is experiencing significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job and having financial problems, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview could also include questions regarding work and school performance as well as how your symptoms impact your life at home and in relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments as well as any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development of a child or their functioning in more than one environment like school or home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. Symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health and can cause stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with the passage of time. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common among people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential 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 to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company you have to find out which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These kinds of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
I Am Psychiatry as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dose and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not act on the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are effective for adults with ADHD. 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. You might learn how to make use of a diary or planner, or learn strategies for managing time. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could work from your home instead of in an office, use smartphone apps to track your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also inquire about joining an clinical study, which is a research endeavor designed to test out new ways to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a mental health specialist or another care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.