ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use different clinical guidelines than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol use and your family history. They might also want to speak to your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. You're not alone 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 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-toface meeting with your healthcare professional is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, the way they view your behavior and how it affects you. They could also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your lifestyle during the interview, such as how often you don't attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. It's essential to be honest in your answers and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Certain tests may even result in an incorrect diagnosis, so it's advisable to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD begin talking to your primary care provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to conduct an evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians for diagnosing mental disorders. It's important to provide as much details about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can make a precise diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also interview your spouse and children and teachers, colleagues and other people who know you. Your assessment may include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and can help determine if other conditions are 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, missing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact school, work and social interactions. 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired from a job, having financial problems or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and review your symptoms along with your medical history, and family history. Interview questions may be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home as well as with relationships. You might wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documents that might be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with functioning or development in more than one setting like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms must not be better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. Symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and stress in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease as you get older. Some other factors can contribute to the difficulties, for example obstructive sleep apnea occurs more often in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating adult adhd diagnosis underlying condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your locality. They can offer resources as well as a list by specialization of professionals. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to find out which health medical professionals are covered by your policy.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, questions about your present life and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often utilized to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is right for you and your specific symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency according to your needs. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not act on the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and are effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you may be taught how to keep a planner in place or journals, or you might be shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working from home instead of at a office or using apps on your smartphone to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments at times that aren't as busy. You may also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial, which is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes, your family physician will recommend you to a mental health specialist or other health care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact an local ADHD support group.