ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors apply different guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, your alcohol and drug usage, and family history. They might also want to speak to your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty with work or school or are having trouble staying focused when talking to others. You're not crazy and can deal with it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) offers the guidelines providers use 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.
A face-to-face appointment with your healthcare provider is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the provider determine the cause of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine such as how often you forget to pay your bills or make appointments, and whether you struggle managing your time or organizational abilities. It's important to be honest in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different practitioner or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your healthcare provider prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD begin talking to your primary care physician. He or she might recommend you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is essential to provide as much detail about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can make an accurate assessment.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your mental, psychological and medical history, including past problems, and ask about how your symptoms impact your life. They will also interview your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your test may include behavioral, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests can provide your healthcare provider additional information on 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 a person who is primarily inattentive include a lack of focus, omitting details or making mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also determine how these symptoms affect the school, work and 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.
These symptoms often appear in childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after changes in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences major difficulties at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job or having financial issues, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD An assessment is the first step towards finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms as well as your medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your school and work performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You might want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher comments as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric specialist uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to establish the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be attributed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD have problems well into adulthood. Symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors may contribute to the difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more frequent in adults with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
adhd in adults undiagnosed with ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups for people with ADHD in your area. They can offer resources and a list by specialty of professionals. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out about the health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may 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 treatments that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also be helpful in dealing with other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, that often co-exist with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that fits your body and symptoms, and alters the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available which do not act on the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and are beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You may be taught how to make use of a diary or planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You could also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working at home instead of in a workplace or using apps on your smartphone to track tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You might also want to inquire about taking part in clinical trials that is a research trial designed to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or other health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.