ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and if you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. "You know you're not crazy, and this puts you in better position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is an associate 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) 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.
A face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider is usually the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor determine the cause of your ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
You'll be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, and this includes how often you forget to go to appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It's important to be honest in your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to another psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, however they're not as reliable and as valid as an appointment with a trained professional. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect that you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, for evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is essential to provide as much details about your symptoms as possible so that your provider can make an accurate assessment.
The person who is evaluating you will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also interview your spouse and children, as well as teachers, coworkers and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and 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.
The symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also assess the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they can be present in adulthood. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or because of changes in their lives such as a new job or marriage or move to their own home. In other cases the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences major problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. The interview might also include questions about work and school performance and how your symptoms impact your home life and in relationships. You may be required to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that might be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist make the diagnosis. For the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with functioning or development in more than one setting, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD are still struggling throughout their adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health and stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Some signs of ADHD alter with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can become more evident as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea occurs more often in adults suffering from ADHD and poor sleeping habits can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have other conditions, it is important to inform your mental health professional as this can affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to speak to your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to determine which health healthcare providers are covered under your policy.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is the best way to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause problems at work, school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These types of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also assist in addressing other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose a medication that is right for you and your symptoms, and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. There are also nonstimulants available, which do not act on the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. For instance, you could learn how to use a planner or keep journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You can also benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working at home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You may also wish to inquire about joining a clinical trial which is a study trial designed to test new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH offers adhd in adults diagnosis about clinical trials.
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health professional by your family physician for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call an local ADHD support group.