ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use different guidelines for treating adults that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, alcohol and drug use, and your family history. They may also talk to your spouse or other family members.
adhd in adults diagnosis is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused during conversations. You're not crazy and can deal with it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at 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) offers the guidelines providers use to determine 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 professional who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the provider to understand the history of your ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects your life. They could also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview may be a discussion of your daily routine such as how often you don't remember to pay your bills or go to appointments, and whether you struggle managing your time or organizational abilities. It is crucial to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another doctor or therapist if you are unsure about the symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests might even lead to a false diagnosis, so always consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD Begin talking to your primary care physician. They may refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to be evaluated. 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 crucial to provide your physician as much information as you can about your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your test may include neuropsychological, behavioral, or learning disability tests. These tests can provide your provider with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and can 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.
The signs of an inattention type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. They can also develop 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 such as the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In some cases the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional interviews you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions could be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your reports, teacher's comments, and any other documentation 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 must be present in at least six months and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by any other mental disorder such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. These symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and can cause stress in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for instance attention deficit symptoms can be more apparent as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have other illnesses, it is crucial to tell your mental health professional, as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary physician, who can refer you to a medical specialist who is trained in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also a good idea to ask if there are any support groups specifically for people with ADHD in your region. They can provide assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also reach out to the insurance company that you have to determine which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a health professional is the best method to diagnose adult ADHD. The evaluation should contain questions about your childhood, your present 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.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are commonly utilized in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is right for you and your specific symptoms and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD can include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. For example, you might learn how to keep a planner in place or a journal, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You can also modify your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to track your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You may also want to inquire about participating in a clinical study which is a research project designed to test out new ways to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for suggestions, or connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.