ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors use an entirely different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals conducting an assessment will ask you questions about your childhood, education work, family, and history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, struggle with work or school or struggle to stay engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. You're not crazy and can manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. a professor of psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) offers the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to establish an ADHD diagnosis. 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 assessment usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who knows you well. They could inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like depression or anxiety.
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 have trouble managing your time or organization skills. It's essential to be honest in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're not sure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, however they aren't as reliable or as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your physician prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to a mental healthcare professional for 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 details about your symptoms as possible to enable your doctor to make an accurate assessment.
The person who evaluates you will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The person conducting the evaluation could also interview your spouse and children, as well as coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation could include tests for behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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 symptoms of a person who is primarily inattentive include difficulty paying attention, omitting details or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also assess how these signs affect the school, work 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life such as getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step to do when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your school and work performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help 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 home. In addition, the symptoms 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 problems well into adulthood. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues and stress in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your life.
Some signs of ADHD alter with age, for example inattentive symptoms may be more apparent as you age, and hyperactivity and impulsivity may diminish as you get older. Other factors can cause problems. For example sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common in people with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This could affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary doctor 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 who have ADHD in your locality. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also reach out to the insurance company you are with to find out which health healthcare providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD which include counseling and medication. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs affect the way certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is right for you and your symptoms, and alter the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants can also be employed to treat people suffering from ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adults don't affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping methods. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or keep journals, or you might be shown strategies for improving your time management. You may also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working at home instead of at a office and using apps on your phone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You might also want to inquire about participating in an clinical study, which is a research endeavor designed to explore 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. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations, or contact a local ADHD support group.