ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different clinical guidelines than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol use and family history. They might also talk with your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
adhd adults diagnosis 's not always a good thing to receive an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have trouble at school or work, or are having trouble staying focused during conversations. You're not crazy and are able to manage it better, says 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) offers the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to determine 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 usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare professional, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood to help the provider get a better understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close partner, spouse, family member, or a coworker who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects you. They could also inquire how ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your daily routine during the interview, such as the frequency you fail to attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. It is essential to be honest in your answers and take note of how these behaviors affect your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, you should consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests might even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to identify mental disorders. It is crucial to provide your provider as much information as possible about your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your test may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability tests. These tests may provide your physician 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 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, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact work, school and social activities. 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 often appear in childhood. However, they can be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some cases the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has serious issues at work or in their relationships. This can include being fired from a job, having financial problems or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD An assessment is the first step in finding treatment. A licensed mental health professional interviews you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You might want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist make the diagnosis. To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development or functioning of multiple settings, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be explained by other mental disorder such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD have problems well into adulthood. Symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with age. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you age, and hyperactivity and impulse control may diminish as you get older. Some other factors can contribute to the difficulties, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have any other medical illnesses, it is crucial to inform your mental health professional as this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important that you consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can offer assistance and a list professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company you are with to determine which health care providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
The most effective approach to determine if you have ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at school, at work or with your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medications. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, that frequently co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often 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 recommend the right medication for you and your symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not have the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might be taught how to use a planner or journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example, you could work at your home instead of in an office, use smartphone apps to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial, which is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers adhd adults diagnosis on clinical trials.
You could be referred to the mental specialist or other health specialist by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.