ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, your alcohol and drug usage, and your family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to receive an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, are having trouble at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused when talking to others. "You know you're not crazy, and this puts you in an ideal position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is 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.
A face-toface meeting with your doctor is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other information from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining more information about your past experiences with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, the way they view your behavior and how it affects your life. They could also inquire what ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
The interview will likely include questions about your life, such as how often you forget to pay bills or make appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organizational skills. It's essential to be honest with your answers and consider how these habits affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, you should consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests might result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect you suffer from ADHD begin by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she might refer you to a mental health specialist for an assessment, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosis 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 you can regarding your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also talk to your spouse and children and teachers, coworkers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for learning disabilities, behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide 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 a person who is primarily inattentive are a lack of attention and omitting important details or making mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also determine how these symptoms affect work, school and personal 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. However, they can be present in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from work, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step to do in the event that you suspect you might are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and review your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions about your work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your home life and in relationships. You may want to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that may be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist determine the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with development or functioning in multiple settings like school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be attributed to any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people with ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. Symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and can cause stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you get older. Other factors may contribute to the difficulties, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to speak to your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your locality. They can provide you with resources and a list by specialty of specialists. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms are causing at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medications. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These kinds of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also help in addressing other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will select the right medication for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when required. There are also nonstimulants available, that do not affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD can include coaching or mentoring to teach strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might be taught how to keep a planner in place or journals, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home rather than working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You may also want to inquire about participating in an clinical study which is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
You could be referred to the mental specialist or other health care professional by your family doctor for an assessment of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.