ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors apply a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five signs in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals conducting an assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They might also discuss your relationship with your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or are having trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at 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.
An ADHD evaluation usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the provider to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders 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 go to appointments, and whether you have trouble with time management or organization skills. It is important to be truthful in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another specialist or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Certain tests may even lead to an incorrect diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. He or she may recommend you to a mental health professional for evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. 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 crucial to give your provider as much information as you can about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation could also interview your spouse and children and coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your test may include neuropsychological, behavioral, or learning disability tests. These tests can provide your provider with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and help to 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact work, school and social 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of 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 like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until an adult is confronted with significant problems at work or in their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and examines your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home as well as with relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments, and any other documentation pertinent.
adhd uk diagnosis will use 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 must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development or functioning of multiple settings like school or at home. In addition, the signs must not be better explained by another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their adulthood. The symptoms can affect education and work, lead to poor health and financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life.
Some symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for example inattentive symptoms may become more evident as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could diminish with age. Other factors can also cause problems. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical specialist who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. adults diagnosed with adhd is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups specifically for people with ADHD in your region. They can provide resources and a list of specialists with specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach to determine if you have ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These kinds of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also be helpful in addressing other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-exist with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate are frequently employed to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You can also adjust your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could choose to work from home instead of an office, or use apps on your smartphone to monitor your activities, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about taking part in clinical trials, which is a research trial designed to test new methods of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or other health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You could also ask your family member or a friend for suggestions, or join a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.