ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for treating adults than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals conducting an evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education as well as your work and family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with school or work or are having trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. You're not crazy and can deal with it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. a professor of psychology at the 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) contains the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to establish 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 starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can help the provider get an understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They may ask about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects your life. he has a good point could also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, and this includes how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. It's essential to be honest with your answers and to consider how these habits impact your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a psychologist or doctor for an assessment. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Some of these tests can even result in a false diagnosis, so it's recommended to talk to your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD begin by speaking to your primary care provider. He or she might recommend you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is important to provide as much information regarding your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to make a precise diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric history, including past problems and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. They may also interview your spouse and children, as well as teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you. Your test may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests may provide your physician with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and can help rule out other conditions 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 signs of someone who is primarily inattentive are a lack of attention not paying attention to details, or making careless errors. The person conducting the assessment will also look at how these symptoms interfere with work, school 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.
These symptoms typically manifest in childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after an event in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until a person has serious issues at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take if you suspect you have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will talk to you and discuss your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. diagnose adhd may wish to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher comments as well as any other documentation pertinent.
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 should be present for at least six months and they must interfere with the development of a child or their functioning in more than one setting like school or home. In addition, the symptoms must not be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can affect both school and work. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues and stress relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can improve your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age, and hyperactivity and impulse control may diminish as you age. Other factors can also cause problems. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common among adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you talk to your primary doctor who can refer to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your region. diagnosis of adhd can offer information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best way to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, questions about your life now and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also be helpful in dealing with other mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that fits your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available that do not affect the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might be taught how to use a planner or keep journals, or you might be taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to ask about participating in clinical trials, which is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or another health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.