ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors apply a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals who conduct an evaluation will ask questions about your education, childhood work, family, and history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, struggle with work or school or struggle to stay focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You aren't crazy, and it puts you in an ideal position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is professor of psychology and psychiatry 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 that doctors and specialists use to make 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.
A face-toface meeting with your doctor is usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your provider may ask to speak to a close family member, spouse, friend member, or a coworker who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions like depression or anxiety.
The interview may be a discussion of your daily routine, such as how often you don't remember to pay your bills or make appointments, or if you struggle managing your time or organization skills. It is essential to be truthful in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so always consult your physician before using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you may have ADHD begin by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for evaluation. 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 essential to provide your doctor as much detail as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person doing the evaluation will review your medical, psychological, and psychiatric history, including any past issues and ask you about how your symptoms impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your spouse, children teachers, colleagues, and others who know you well. Your evaluation may include testing for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and help rule out 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 signs of an inattention type include trouble paying attention, not noticing details or making mistakes. diagnosis for adhd in adults who evaluates the child will also be able to determine 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 the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in adulthood. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of life changes such as an employment change or marriage or move to their own home. In some instances, the condition is not recognized until an adult is experiencing significant problems at work or with their relationships. This could include being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may be asked about your school and work performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You may want to bring along copies of your reports, teacher's comments and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric specialist uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with the development or functioning of multiple settings for example, at school or at home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety or mood disorder.
Many people with ADHD continue to have problems throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues, and cause strain in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you age, and impulse control and hyperactivity can diminish with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If you have any other medical conditions, it is important to tell your mental health professional because this could affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can offer information and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire about health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to determine if you have ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also be helpful in addressing other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for you and your symptoms and will adjust the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants can also be employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They don't interfere with the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping abilities. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or learn techniques for managing your time. You can also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working from home instead of working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You might also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or another care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for people suffering from ADHD.