ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol use, and family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, struggle with work or school or are having trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. "You aren't crazy, and it puts you in better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is professor of psychology and psychiatry 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) provides the guidelines providers use 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.
A face-to-face meeting with your doctor is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak with a spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask what ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview is likely to include questions about your life such as how often you forget to pay bills or go to appointments, and whether you have trouble with time management or organizational abilities. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. If you're uncertain 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 aren't as reliable or as valid as an appointment with a licensed professional. Some of these tests can even lead to an incorrect diagnosis, so it's recommended to consult your doctor first.
Symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD begin by talking to your primary care physician. He or she might refer you to a mental health professional for assessment, 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's important to provide as much information about your symptoms as possible so that your provider can make a precise diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. He or she might also talk to your spouse and children and coworkers, teachers and other people who know you. Your test may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability tests. These tests can provide 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 trouble paying attention, missing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also assess 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. They may also manifest in adulthood. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into their own home. In some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD An assessment is the first step to finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and evaluates your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview might also include questions about work and school performance as well as how the symptoms affect your life at home and in your relationships. You might want to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that might be relevant.
The psychiatric specialist utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must interfere with the development of a child or their functioning in more than one environment, such as school or home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect the school and work environment, leading to poor health and financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you age, and impulse control and hyperactivity can diminish as you get older. Other factors can also contribute to the difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional if you have any other medical conditions. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask whether there are any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk may have information and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about health care providers who are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination 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 also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs affect the way certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when needed. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They don't interfere with the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other treatment options for adults with ADHD can include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. For example, you might be taught how to use a planner or keep journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You can also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working from home rather than at a office, using smartphone apps to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You may also wish to ask about participating in clinical trials that is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
You could be referred a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact the local ADHD support group.