ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors follow different clinical guidelines for the disorder than for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask questions about your education, childhood, work, and family history. They may also talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with school or work or struggle to stay engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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 used by professionals to determine 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 evaluation typically begins with a face-to–face conversation with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to talk to your spouse or a family member, coworker or a close friend who know you well. They may inquire about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, and this includes how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulties managing your time. It's crucial to be honest with your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another doctor or therapist if you aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales online, however they're not as reliable or as valid as an appointment with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's best to speak with your doctor first.
Symptoms
If you suspect you may have ADHD begin talking to your primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to conduct an evaluation. 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 essential to provide as much detail regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can make a precise diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your mental, psychological and medical history, including any past issues and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. He or she will also interview your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your assessment could include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability tests. 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 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 someone who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making careless errors. 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in childhood. However, they can be present in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or due to life changes such as the start of a new job or marriage or move into their own home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job and having financial problems, or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional will interview you and discuss your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview could also include questions about work and school performance and how your symptoms impact your daily life at home and in relationships. You might want to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documents that might be relevant.
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 in at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one environment like school or at home. In addition, the signs cannot be explained better by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. These symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and can cause stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may become more noticeable as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease as you get older. Other factors can also cause problems. For instance sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have other issues, it is essential to tell 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 an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups specifically for people with ADHD in your region. They can offer resources and a list by specialty of professionals. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective method to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavior. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also be helpful in dealing with other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, that frequently occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are commonly utilized to treat adults with ADHD. These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and alters the dosage and frequency when required. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They do not interfere with the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping methods. You may learn to use a diary or a planner, or be shown time management strategies. You can also adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance, you could work at your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps to monitor your activities and schedule appointments at less busy times. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk may also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new methods of treating diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
Sometimes, your family physician will recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call an local ADHD support group.