adhd in adults diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors apply different clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis must include at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use and your family history. They may also want to discuss your relationship with your spouse or other family members.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are struggling to stay focused during conversations. "You know you're not crazy, and it puts you in a better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., an associate 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) 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 interview with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the doctor determine the cause of your ADHD. Your provider may ask to speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
The interview may include questions about your lifestyle, such as how often you forget to pay bills or attend appointments, and whether you struggle managing your time or organization abilities. It is essential to be truthful in your answers and take note of the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, you should consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a doctor or psychologist for an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests may even result in a false diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may have ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health like psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to diagnose mental disorders. It's crucial to give your provider as much information as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will examine your medical, psychological, and psychiatric history, including past problems and ask 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 test may include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability testing. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention and omitting important details or making careless errors. The person conducting the assessment will also examine how these symptoms impact 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. They can also occur in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children have been diagnosed or because of life changes such as an employment change, a marriage or a move to their own home. In some cases the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has serious issues at work or with their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job, having financial problems or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional interviews you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions about your work and school performance as well as how your symptoms impact your daily life at home and in relationships. You might wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months and they should affect functioning or developmental progress in multiple environments like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems into adulthood. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with age. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you get older, and impulse control and hyperactivity can diminish as you get older. Other factors can contribute to difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you have any other medical conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list by specialty of professionals. You can also reach out to the insurance company that you have to determine which health care providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life and 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. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These types of therapy assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They don't affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or keep journals or taught strategies to improve your time management. You may also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home rather than in a workplace and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less crowded. You might also inquire about joining an clinical study which is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health care specialist by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.