ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors use a different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis must include at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
Professionals conducting an assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also talk to your spouse or other family members.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and if you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or have trouble staying focused during conversations. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in a better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., 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) offers the guidelines that doctors and specialists 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 conversation with your healthcare professional who will go over your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your provider may also ask to speak with a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your daily routine during the interview, and this includes the frequency you fail to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. It is important to be truthful in your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another specialist or therapist if are unsure of your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if think you might have ADHD. They can refer you to a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist, 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's important to provide as much details regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They could also interview your children and spouse as well as teachers, coworkers and others who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. 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 trouble paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also assess how these symptoms interfere with school, work and social interactions. 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in childhood. They may also manifest in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms when their children have been diagnosed or due to changes in their lives, such as an employment change or marriage or move into their own home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from work and having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD A test is the first step towards finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may want to bring copies of your reports, teacher's comments, and any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist to determine the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months and interfere with the development or functioning of multiple settings, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life.
Some signs of ADHD change with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity may diminish as you get older. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult can also contribute to the difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common among adults with ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. If you suffer from other issues, it is essential to tell your mental health professional as this can affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to speak to your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list by specialty of specialists. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to find out which health healthcare 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 include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, including counseling and medications. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These types of therapy assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also help 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 the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for you and your specific symptoms, and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and are beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping techniques. You may be taught how to make use of a diary or planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You can also modify your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from home instead of at an office, or use apps on your smartphone to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also inquire about joining a clinical study which is a research endeavor designed to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or a friend for suggestions, or join a local support group for people with ADHD.