ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different clinical guidelines that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol usage, and your family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty at school or work, or are having trouble staying focused during conversations. 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 typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other information from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects you. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview may be a discussion of your daily routine such as how often you forget to pay bills or make appointments, and if you have trouble with time management or organization skills. It's important to be honest with your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another specialist or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a qualified provider. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Symptoms
Consult your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. They may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, 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 is crucial to provide your provider as much information as you can about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will review your mental, psychological and medical history, including past problems and ask how your symptoms impact your life. He or she may also interview your spouse and children as well as teachers, colleagues and others who know you. Your assessment could include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and can help determine if other conditions are 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 a person who is primarily inattentive include a lack of focus and omitting important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms interfere with school, work 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.
Often, these symptoms appear in the early years of childhood. They can also develop in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children have been diagnosed or because of changes in their lives such as the start of a new job or marriage, or a move into their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired, facing financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should take if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. The interview could also include questions regarding work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms impact your home life and in relationships. You may be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documents that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with functioning or development in multiple settings, such as at school or at home. In addition, the symptoms must not be better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to the way you work and at school. They can also cause financial or health issues and stress relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you get older. Other factors can contribute to difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common among people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have any other medical conditions, it is important to tell your mental health professional because this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can offer assistance and a list 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 for diagnosing adult ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. The evaluation should contain questions about your childhood, current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, that frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly employed to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the right medication for your body and symptoms, and alters the dose and frequency as needed. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not act on the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and are beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine and Guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. You may be taught how to utilize a diary or planner, or learn techniques for managing your time. You can also benefit from altering your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working at home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments at times that are less crowded. You might also want to inquire about joining a clinical trial that is a research trial designed to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis uk can also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or join a local support group for people with ADHD.