ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors use different guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than they do for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol usage, and the family history. They may also talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty at school or work, or have trouble staying focused in conversations. You know you're normal and are able to manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. 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 used by professionals 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.
An ADHD evaluation typically begins with a face-to–face conversation with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other documents from your childhood, as it can aid in getting an understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak to a spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask how ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You will be asked about your daily routine during the interview, such as how often you don't go to appointments or pay bills or if you experience issues with managing time. It is essential to be honest with your answers and consider how these behaviors affect your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another specialist or therapist if are unsure of your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests may even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's advisable to talk to your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD, start talking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she might refer you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians for diagnosing mental disorders. It is crucial to provide your provider as much information as you can regarding your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and others who know you well. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral or testing for learning disabilities. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and help to 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 adhd diagnosing , 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, not noticing details or making mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess how these signs 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children have been diagnosed or due to changes in their lives such as the start of a new job or marriage, or a move to their own home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being fired, facing financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should take if you suspect you have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will talk to you and discuss your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions about your work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your life at home and in your relationships. You might want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks, and any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric specialist uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to establish the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months, and they must affect the development of a child or their functioning in more than one setting, such as school or at home. In addition, the signs must not be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect education and work, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Other factors may contribute to the difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea occurs more often in people with ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary physician, who can refer you to a health care professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best way to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medications. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly used in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs 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 adjust the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not act on the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do, and they can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You may be taught how to utilize a diary or planner, or you may be taught strategies for managing time. You can also adjust your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in clinical trials, which is a research trial designed to test new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a mental health specialist or another medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You can also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for people with ADHD.