ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for treating the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis must include at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, drug and alcohol use and your family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. You know you're normal and can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) offers guidelines for healthcare professionals 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 usually the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the provider understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who know you well. They could ask questions about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions like anxiety or depression.
The interview will likely be a discussion of your daily routine such as how often you forget to pay bills or make appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organization abilities. It is essential to be honest in your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable or reliable as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you have ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in mental health like psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to identify mental disorders. It is important to provide as much information regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will review your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation may also interview your children and spouse, as well as teachers, coworkers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and can help rule out other conditions causing 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, missing details or making mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also look at the impact these symptoms have on 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 typically manifest in childhood. However, they can be present in later life. adhd diagnosis adult may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or with their relationships. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk can include being fired, having financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do if you suspect you have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and review your symptoms along with your medical history, and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect your life at home and with relationships. You might be required to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other information that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in more than one setting, such as school or at home. In addition, the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms can affect work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms can change with the passage of time. For example, inattentiveness may become more apparent as you age and impulse control and hyperactivity can decrease as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For instance sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common in people with ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you have any other medical conditions. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary doctor who can refer to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also contact the insurance company you have to determine which health care providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, current life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at work, school or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD, including medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, 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 into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way 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 adjust the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. You might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or learn strategies for managing time. You can also modify your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example, you could work at home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about joining clinical trials, which is a research study designed to test new ways of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes, your family physician will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or other health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or contact a local support group for those suffering from ADHD.