ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults have difficulty getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow a different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than those for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms 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, and family history. They may also want to talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and if you're constantly losing keys, are having trouble in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused during conversations. You're not crazy and are able to manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at 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) contains the guidelines used by professionals to make 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 interview with your healthcare provider, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other information from your childhood to help the provider get a better understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak with a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may inquire about your relationship, the way they view your behavior and how it affects you. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview will likely include questions about your life such as how often you forget to pay your bills or go to appointments, and if you struggle with time management or organization skills. It is crucial to be truthful in your answers and think about how these habits impact your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist to conduct an evaluation. There are self-tests and rating scales online, however they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor prior to using them.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if think you might have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to identify mental disorders. It is important to provide as much detail about your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric background, including past issues and ask you about how your symptoms impact your life. They will also interview your spouse, children, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests will give your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can help rule out 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also assess how these signs 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 childhood. They can also develop in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or due to changes in their lives such as an employment change or marriage or move into their own home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from work or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step in finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional interviews you and evaluates your symptoms, medical background and family history. The interview could also include questions regarding work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your home life and in relationships. You may be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documentation that may be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one setting, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be explained by any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. These 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 enhance your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may diminish as you age. Other factors can cause problems, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more frequent in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people with ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you have any other conditions. This could influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important to talk to your primary care doctor, who will refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your area. They can offer assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire about health care providers that are covered by your policy.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or with your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also assist in dealing with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, that often co-exist with ADHD.
Treatment for adults suffering from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is right for you and your symptoms and adjust the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways like psychostimulants, and they can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. adhd diagnosis uk adult might learn how to use a diary or a planner, or you may be taught strategies for managing time. You may also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You may also want to inquire about taking part in clinical trials which is a study trial designed to test new ways of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.
Sometimes, your family physician will recommend you to a mental health specialist or another health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or contact a local support group for people with ADHD.