ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol usage, and the family history. They may also talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work or are having trouble staying engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. You know you're normal and are able to manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5), provides guidelines for providers 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.
A face-to-face appointment with your healthcare professional is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. iampsychiatry.com is helpful to bring reports cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can aid in getting an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak with a spouse or a family member, coworker or close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects you. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, including how often you don't make appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulty with time management. It is important to be truthful in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you are unsure of your symptoms. There are self-tests and rating scales on the internet, but they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests may even result in an incorrect diagnosis, so it's advisable to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD begin talking to your primary care provider. They may recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 your provider as much information as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she will also interview your spouse, children teachers, friends, coworkers 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 healthcare provider 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 a person who is inattention-deficient include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also look at how these symptoms interfere with work, school 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.
These symptoms usually manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after an event in their lives such as the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some instances, the condition is not recognized until a person has significant problems at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD An assessment is the first step towards finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and evaluates your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with relationships. You might wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months, and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in more than one environment, such as school or home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be attributed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact work and school. They can also cause poor health or financial problems, and strain relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may be more apparent as you age and hyperactivity and impulsivity may diminish as you age. Some other factors can cause problems, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary physician, who can refer you to a health care specialist who is trained in ADHD evaluations for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They may have assistance and a list specialists by specialization. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to determine which health healthcare providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD which include medication and counseling. Counseling includes 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 to positive ones. They can also help in dealing with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often co-exist with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are commonly used in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for you and your symptoms and will adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD can include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For instance, you could be taught how to keep a planner in place or a journal or taught strategies to improve your time management. You can also adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance, you could work at your home instead of in an office, use smartphone apps to track your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You may also want to inquire about taking part in a clinical study that is a research endeavor designed to explore new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will recommend you to a mental health specialist or another healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for suggestions, or connect with a local support organization for people with ADHD.