ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors follow a different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than those for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol use and your family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or a close friend.
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Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You aren't crazy, and this puts you in a better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at 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 providers 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 begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare provider who will go over your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to talk to a 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 might also inquire how ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
Full Article will be asked about your daily routine during the interview, such as the frequency you fail to attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It's essential to be honest with your answers and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, it's worth consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult with your doctor before using them.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a mental health professional for assessment, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to identify mental disorders. It is important to provide as much detail regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can determine the most 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. The person conducting the evaluation could also interview your children and spouse and teachers, colleagues and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability testing. These tests can provide your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and help rule out other conditions that 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include difficulty paying attention, not noticing details or making careless mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess how these symptoms 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.
Often, these symptoms appear in childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, having financial difficulties or getting in 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 licensed mental health professional will talk to you and review your symptoms, medical history, and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You may want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks, and any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. To be able to make the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people with ADHD continue to struggle throughout their adulthood. These symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and stress in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For instance, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults 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 help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your locality. They can offer information and a list of specialists with specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medication. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These types of therapy aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. You might learn how to utilize a diary or planner, or learn techniques for managing your time. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, use smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to ask about participating in a clinical trial that is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a mental health specialist or another healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or join a local support group for those suffering from ADHD.