ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors apply a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals conducting an evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They might also discuss your relationship with your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, struggle with work or school, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You aren't insane, and that puts you in a better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is a professor of psychiatry and psychology 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.
A face-to-face appointment with your doctor is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. 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 the doctor in gaining a better understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your life during the interview, such as how often you don't attend appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulties managing your time. It is important to be honest in your answers and consider 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 another psychologist or doctor for an assessment. There are self-tests and rating scales online, but they aren't as reliable or reliable as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even result in a false diagnosis, so it's best to consult your healthcare provider first.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you think you might have ADHD. He or she might refer you to a mental healthcare professional for assessment, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. 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 is essential to provide as much detail regarding your symptoms as you can so that your physician can make an accurate assessment.
The person who evaluates you will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she could also interview your spouse and children, as well as teachers, colleagues and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will give your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
In adhd diagnosis adult 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 mostly inattention include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making careless errors. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess the impact these symptoms have on school, work and social 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 the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or because of life changes such as a new job, a marriage or a move into their own home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until an adult is confronted with significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should take in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and evaluates your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric professional uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they should affect functioning or developmental progress in multiple environments, such as school or home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be attributed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect education and work, lead to poor financial or personal health and can cause stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may diminish with age. Other factors may contribute to difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea is more frequent in people with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
get diagnosed with adhd suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you have any other conditions. This could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your locality. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of specialists. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about the health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at work, school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also assist in addressing other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which frequently occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate are frequently utilized for treating adults with ADHD. These drugs alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that fits your body and the symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available which do not act on the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine guanfacine, and 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 learn how to use a planner or keep a journal or given strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about joining a clinical study which is a research-based project that aims to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information about clinical trials.
You may be referred to an expert in mental health or another health care specialist by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations or contact a local ADHD support group.