ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use an entirely different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use and your family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with school or work, or have trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. You're not alone, and you can deal with it better, according to 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), provides guidelines for providers 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 begins with a face-to-face interview with your doctor who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can help the provider get a better understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms are interacted with 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 your bills or go to appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organizational abilities. It is important to be honest with your answers and take note of the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even result in an incorrect diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you think you might have ADHD. He or she may recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 is crucial to provide your doctor as much detail as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your spouse, children teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability testing. These tests may provide your physician 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention and omitting important details or making mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also look at the impact these symptoms have on work, school 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.
These symptoms typically manifest in childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as an employment change or marriage or move into 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 include being fired, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional will talk to you and review your symptoms as well as your medical history and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documents that might be relevant.
The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with functioning or development in more than one environment, such as at school or at home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety or mood disorder.
Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can affect the way you work and at school. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues and stress relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may become more evident as you get older and impulsivity and hyperactivity could lessen with age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you have any other conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you consult your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can offer resources as well as a list by specialization of professionals. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a health professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The examination should include questions regarding your childhood, your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to transform 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 like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD can include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. diagnosis of adhd may be taught how to utilize a diary or planner, or learn strategies for managing time. You can also benefit from changing your living situation 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 at times that are less busy. You may also want to inquire about joining an clinical study that is a research endeavor designed to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family physician to assess your ADHD. You can also ask a family member or friend for suggestions, or contact a local support group for people with ADHD.