ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow an entirely different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than those for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education as well as your work and family history. They might also discuss your relationship with your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have trouble in school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations. "You aren't crazy, and this puts you in an ideal position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is a guideline for doctors 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.
An ADHD evaluation typically begins with a face-to–face conversation with your doctor who will go over your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor determine the cause of your ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may inquire about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects you. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your daily routine during the interview, including how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulty with time management. It's crucial to be honest in your answers, and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to another doctor or psychologist for an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Some of these tests can even lead to the wrong diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Symptoms
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD, start by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, to be evaluated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to identify mental disorders. It is important to provide as much details about your symptoms as possible so that your provider can make an accurate assessment.
The person evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. adhd uk diagnosis conducting the evaluation will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and others who know you well. Your evaluation may include behavioral, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. adults diagnosed with adhd can provide your provider additional information about 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 an inattention type include difficulty paying attention, missing details or making careless mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Often, these symptoms appear in childhood. They can also occur in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after an event in their lives such as getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In some cases, the condition is not recognized until an adult is experiencing significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired from a job and having financial problems, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD A test is the first step in finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks, and any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must interfere with development or functioning in multiple environments, such as school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be explained by other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way you work and at school. They can also cause poor health or financial problems and can cause stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve the quality of your life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people with ADHD have co-occurring conditions 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 could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician, who can refer you to a health care professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there exist any support groups for people with ADHD in your area. They may have assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to determine which health medical professionals are covered by the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The examination should include questions about your childhood, your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD which include medication and counseling. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These types of therapies help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also assist in addressing other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and your specific symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD can include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. You may learn to utilize a diary or planner, or learn techniques for managing your time. You could also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working at home instead of in a workplace, using smartphone apps to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You may also wish to ask about participating in clinical trials which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health care professional by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for people with ADHD.