ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, your alcohol and drug usage, and the family history. They may also want to talk with your spouse or other family members.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You aren't crazy, and this puts you in a better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on 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 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 meeting with your doctor is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can aid in getting more information about your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak to a spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The interview may include questions about your life such as the frequency you fail to pay your bills or make appointments, and if you struggle with time management or organization abilities. It is essential to be honest in your answers and take note of the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests can even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 details regarding your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological, and psychiatric history, including past problems and ask how your symptoms impact your life. He or she will also interview your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for learning disabilities, behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. get adhd diagnosis Iam Psychiatry will give your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making careless errors. The person conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms interfere with 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life like the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired from a job or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should do if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional interviews 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 your relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your reports, teacher's comments and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must 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. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact work and school. They can also cause poor health or financial problems and stress relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to 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 often suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have any other medical issues, it is essential to tell your mental health professional because this could affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can offer assistance and a list specialists by specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
The most effective method to determine if you have ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at school, at work or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also be helpful in the treatment of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, that often co-occur with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and symptoms and alters the dosage and frequency as required. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not have the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and are effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to teach strategies and coping abilities. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown techniques for managing your time. You could also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working from home instead of in a workplace, using smartphone apps to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in clinical trials that is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to treat ailments and diseases. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to an expert in mental health or another health care professional by your family doctor to assess your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact a local ADHD support group.