ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different clinical guidelines than they do for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at minimum five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused when talking to others. You're not crazy, and you are able to manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at 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.
A face-to-face appointment with your healthcare professional is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the provider to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who know you well. They could inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them and also how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other disorders like depression or anxiety.
The interview is likely to include questions about your life, such as how often you forget to pay bills or attend appointments, and whether you have trouble managing your time or organizational abilities. It is important to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to another psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests may even lead to a false diagnosis, so it's recommended to consult your doctor first.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental healthcare specialist for an evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. 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 as much information about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your spouse, children teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and help to 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, ignoring important details or making erroneous mistakes. adhd adults diagnosis who evaluates the child will also assess the impact these symptoms have on work, school 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 typically manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as a new job or marriage, or a move to their own home. In some instances the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has serious issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired from a job, having financial problems or being 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 qualified mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions could be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You may wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documents that could be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with functioning or developmental progress in more than one environment, such as school or at home. In addition, the symptoms are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way you work and at school. They can also lead to poor health or financial problems, and strain relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change with age, for instance inattentive symptoms may become more evident as you get older and impulsivity and hyperactivity could lessen with age. Some other factors can contribute to the difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea is more frequent in people with ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional because this can influence the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to consult 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 specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They can provide resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company you have to determine which health healthcare providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, your present life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to change negative thought patterns into positive ones. They can also help 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 the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that fits your body and the symptoms and alters the dosage and frequency as required. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not act on the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. For instance, you may be taught how to keep a planner in place or a journal, or you might be taught strategies to improve your time management. You could also benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working from home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new methods of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
You could be referred to the mental specialist or other health care professional by your family physician for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or friend for suggestions, or connect with a local support organization for people with ADHD.