ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, alcohol and drug use and the family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are struggling to stay focused when talking to others. "You know you're not crazy, and this puts you in better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychology and psychiatry at 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), provides guidelines for providers 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 usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your doctor who will go over your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining more information about your history with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They might ask questions about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine like the frequency you fail to pay bills or make appointments, or if you struggle with time management or organizational abilities. It is essential to be truthful in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another practitioner or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests may even result in an incorrect diagnosis, so it's advisable to consult your doctor first.
Symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if think you might be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to be evaluated. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It's crucial to give your physician as much information as possible about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your assessment may include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are other conditions that can 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also be able to determine the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. They can also develop in later life. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or due to changes in their lives such as an employment change, a marriage or a move to their own home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should do when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and examines your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your school and work performance, as well as how your symptoms affect your life at home and with relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help determine the diagnosis. To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with the development or functioning of multiple settings, such as at school or at home. In addition, the signs must not be better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms can affect education and work, lead to poor financial or personal health and stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and hyperactivity and impulse control may diminish as you get older. Other factors may contribute to difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea occurs more often in adults with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask if there are any support groups for people with ADHD in your region. They can provide information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company you have to find out which health healthcare providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best method to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that fits your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They do not affect the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For instance, you could be taught how to keep a planner in place or a journal or shown strategies for improving your time management. You can also adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For adult diagnosis of adhd could choose to work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to keep track of your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial, which is a research trial designed to test new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a mental health specialist or another health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call a local ADHD support group.