ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors follow a different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, alcohol and drug usage, and your family history. They may also talk with your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, are having trouble with work or school or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in a better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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.
A face-toface meeting with your healthcare professional is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can aid in getting more information about your history with 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 may inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview may include questions about your life like the frequency you fail to pay bills or go to appointments, and if you struggle managing your time or organizational abilities. It is essential to be honest in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, it's worth consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales online, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so it's recommended to consult your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD, start by speaking to your primary care provider. They may recommend you to a mental healthcare specialist for an evaluation, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to diagnose mental disorders. It is essential to provide as much information about your symptoms as you can so that your provider can make an accurate assessment.
The person doing the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological, and psychiatric history, including any past issues, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. They will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, friends, coworkers and others who know you well. Your assessment may include testing for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you 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 symptoms of a person who is primarily inattentive include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also look at how these symptoms impact school, work and social activities. 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. They may also manifest in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children have been diagnosed or because of changes in their lives, such as an employment change or marriage, or a move to their own home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant difficulties at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from work or having financial issues, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other information that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with functioning or development in multiple settings like school or at home. In diagnosing adhd in adults , the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can affect work and school. They can also cause financial or health issues and stress relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Some signs of ADHD develop as you age, for instance attention deficit symptoms can become more evident as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could decrease with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults with ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other issues, it is essential to inform 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 doctor who can refer to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can provide assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers that are covered by your plan.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to determine if you have ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at school, work or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD that include counseling and medications. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also be helpful in the treatment of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, that frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not have the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine guanfacine, and Guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You might learn how to utilize a diary or planner, or you may be taught strategies for managing time. You can also benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working at home instead of in a workplace or using apps on your smartphone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less crowded. You may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or another healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact a local ADHD support group.