ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different clinical guidelines than they do for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, drug and alcohol use, and your family history. They may also want to talk to your spouse or family members.
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Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or struggle to stay focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You aren't insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on 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.
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 life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will help the provider get a better understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak with a spouse or family member, a co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects you. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview will likely include questions about your lifestyle, such as how often you forget to pay your bills or go to appointments, or if you have trouble with time management or organization skills. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to another psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests might result in a wrong diagnosis, so you should always consult with your doctor before using them.
Symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you be suffering from ADHD. He or she might refer you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, like psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is important to provide as much information about your symptoms as possible to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she may also interview your children and spouse as well as coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your assessment may include testing for neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also examine the impact these symptoms have on school, work 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.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some cases the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or with their relationships. get diagnosed with adhd could include being fired from a job, having financial problems or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do if you suspect you have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that may 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 the development of a child or their functioning in more than one setting, such as school or home. In addition, the signs cannot be explained better by another mental disorder like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD have problems well into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to the way you work and at school. They can also lead to poor health or financial problems, and strain relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms may change as you the passage of time. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For instance sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. If you suffer from other conditions, it is important to tell your mental health professional, as this can influence the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary physician, who can refer you to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can offer resources as well as a list by specialization of specialists. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about the health care providers who are covered by your policy.
Treatment
The most effective approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including counseling and medications. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavior. These kinds of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often employed to treat adults suffering from ADHD. These medications alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that fits your body and symptoms and alters the dose and frequency as needed. There are also nonstimulants available, that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and are effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might learn how to use a planner or keep a journal or taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also modify your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from home instead of an office, or use apps on your smartphone to keep track of your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to ask about participating in a clinical trial that is a research study designed to test new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can contact a local support group for those suffering from ADHD.