ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors follow a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol use, and the family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
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Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with work or school or are having trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You know that you're not crazy, and this puts you in a better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is a 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.
An ADHD evaluation typically begins with a face-to–face conversation with your healthcare professional who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak with a close partner, spouse, family member, or a coworker who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects your life. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, including the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills or if you experience difficulty with time management. It is essential to be honest in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different practitioner or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests might even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to diagnose mental disorders. It is important to provide as much details regarding your symptoms as you can so that your physician can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They could also interview your spouse and children as well as teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral or learning disability tests. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and can help rule out other conditions 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 symptoms of a person who is mostly inattention include difficulty paying attention and omitting important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives such as the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being dismissed from a job and having financial problems, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will talk to you and examine your symptoms, medical history, and family history. The interview may also include questions about work and school performance as well as how your symptoms impact your home life and in relationships. You may wish to bring along copies of your reports, teacher's comments and any other documents relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist determine the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to 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 cannot be explained better by another mental disorder like an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD have problems well into adulthood. The symptoms can affect the school and work environment, leading to poor health and financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you age and impulse control and hyperactivity can decrease as you age. Other factors may cause problems, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional as this could affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask if there exist any support groups for people with ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list by specialty of professionals. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about the health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to determine if you have ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a health care professional. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, questions about your life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD which include counseling and medications. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for you and your symptoms and will adjust the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to affect the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might learn how to keep a planner in place or a journal, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example, you could work at home instead of at an office, use smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new ways of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call an local ADHD support group.