ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors apply an entirely different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They may also want to talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused in conversations. You know you're normal and can manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. is a 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) contains the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to establish 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 doctor is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will aid in getting a better understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to a partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. diagnose adhd might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects your life. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The interview may be a discussion of your daily routine like the frequency you fail to pay your bills or go to appointments, and if you have trouble managing your time or organizational abilities. It's crucial to be honest with your answers and consider how these habits affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a doctor or psychologist to conduct an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so you should always consult with your doctor before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if think you might be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist to be evaluated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to identify mental disorders. It's important to provide as much information about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can make a precise diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They could also interview your children and spouse and teachers, coworkers and others who know you. Your evaluation could include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about 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 details or making careless mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. However, they may also be present in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some instances, the condition is not recognized until a person has significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and evaluates your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You might want to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other documents that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months, and they should affect development or functioning in more than one environment like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be explained by any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can improve your life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for example inattentive symptoms may be more apparent as you age and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease as you age. Some other factors can cause problems like obstructive sleeping apnea occurs more often in people with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have any other medical issues, it is essential to tell your mental health professional, as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your 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 are support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources as well as a list by specialization of professionals. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out about the health care providers who are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a health professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at work, school or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD which include medication and counseling. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These types of therapy help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also help in dealing with other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, that frequently occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly employed for treating adults suffering from ADHD. These medications alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dosage and frequency when needed. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults with ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You may learn to utilize a diary or planner, or be shown time management strategies. You can also adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, or use apps on your smartphone to keep track of your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in a clinical trial that is a research study designed to test new methods of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
You may be referred to an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or connect with a local support organization for people suffering from ADHD.