ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors apply different clinical guidelines for the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, your alcohol and drug use, and family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with school or work, or have trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. You're not alone, and you can deal with it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the 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) provides the guidelines providers use to make 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 assessment usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider who will go over your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other documents from your childhood, as it can aid in getting a better understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to talk to a friend, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They could inquire about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The interview may include questions about your lifestyle, such as how often you don't remember to pay your bills or attend appointments, or if you have trouble managing your time or organizational skills. It is crucial to be honest with your answers and consider how these behaviors affect your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you aren't sure about your symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, however they aren't as reliable or as valid as an appointment with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician before using them.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to conduct an evaluation. 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's important to provide as much information regarding your symptoms as you can so that your physician can make an accurate assessment.
The person who is evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she could also interview your spouse and children and teachers, coworkers and others who know you. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability testing. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help 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.
The signs of an inattention type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also be able to determine how these symptoms affect 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 may also be present in later life. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life such as a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant difficulties at work or in 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 take if you suspect you have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will talk to you and examine your symptoms, medical history, and family history. The interview may also include questions about work and school performance and how your symptoms impact your home life and in your relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist to determine the diagnosis. For a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months and interfere with development or functioning in multiple settings for example, at school or at home. In addition, the signs must not be 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. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to the way you work and at school. They can also cause poor health or financial issues, and strain relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve the quality of your life.
Some signs of ADHD alter with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can be more apparent as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For instance the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary doctor, who will refer you to a health care professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are adhd diagnosis adult for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can provide information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered under your plan.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a health professional. The evaluation should contain questions about your childhood, current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at work, school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. adhd diagnosis in adults teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and will alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You may learn to use a diary or a planner, or you may be taught techniques for managing your time. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to track your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about participating in a clinical study that is a research endeavor designed to explore new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health care specialist by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for suggestions, or contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.