ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for treating adults that they use for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol use and family history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused in conversations. You're not crazy and can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at 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 affect your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor determine the cause of your 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 might inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, such as how often you don't go to appointments or pay bills or if you experience issues with managing time. It's important to be honest in your answers and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're not sure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist 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 trained professional. Certain tests may even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's best to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD, start by speaking to your primary care provider. They may refer you to a mental healthcare specialist for an assessment, 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 is essential to provide as much detail about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can make a precise diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability tests. These tests will give your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you and help rule out other conditions that can 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 someone who is mostly inattention include difficulty paying attention, omitting details or making careless errors. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact work, school 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 often appear in the early years of childhood. However, adhd uk diagnosis can be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives such as getting married, a job or moving into a new home. In other cases, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences major difficulties at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired, facing financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD A test is the first step to finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You may be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documentation that could be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months, and they must affect development or functioning in more than one setting, such as school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms cannot be explained better by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD continue to struggle throughout their adulthood. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you age, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you get older. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For instance, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is important to inform your mental health professional that you have any other medical conditions. This could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to speak with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups for people with ADHD in your region. They can offer information and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also reach out to the insurance company you are with to find out which health care providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, your current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at work, school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also called talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals 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 employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. They don't interfere with the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. You may be taught how to utilize a diary or planner, or learn time management strategies. You could also benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working at home instead of working in a place of work, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in clinical trials that is a research study designed to test new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family physician may recommend you to a mental health specialist or another care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact a local ADHD support group.