ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood and if you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty at school or work, or have trouble staying focused when talking to others. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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) contains the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to make 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 healthcare professional is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will aid in getting more information about your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak with a close family member, spouse, friend member or co-worker who knows you well. They may ask about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects you. They could also inquire what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine like how often you don't remember to pay your bills or go to appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organizational abilities. It is essential to be honest in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different specialist or therapist if are unsure of your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD begin by talking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she may refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 offers guidelines for clinical care for diagnosing mental disorders. It's crucial to give your physician as much information as you can about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will examine your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues, and ask about how your symptoms impact your life. He or she will also talk to your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral, or testing for learning disabilities. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding 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.
The symptoms of a person who is mostly inattention are a lack of attention and omitting important details or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also assess how these signs 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. They can also occur 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 into their own home. In some instances the condition isn't recognized until a person has serious issues at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed, having financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. Click Webpage licensed mental health professional will interview you and examines your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions may 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 copies of your report cards, teacher comments 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. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months, and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in multiple environments like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be attributed to any other mental disorder such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to work and school. They can also cause poor health or financial issues and stress relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you get older. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary doctor, who will refer you to a medical specialist who is trained in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups for people with ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list by specialty of specialists. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered by your policy.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation 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 screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medications. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and alters the dose and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not act on the same brain pathways as psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. For instance, you may be taught how to use a planner or keep a journal or given strategies for improving your time management. You can also adjust your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from home instead of an office, or use apps on your smartphone to keep track of your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for suggestions, or join a local support group for people with ADHD.