ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors use an entirely different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use, and family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep 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 huge relief. You know you're normal and can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the 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) provides 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 assessment usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional who will go over your symptoms and their impact on your life. adhd diagnosis uk adult to bring report cards or other evidence from your childhood to help the provider get an understanding of your experience with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to speak with a spouse, family member, 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 you. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your life during the interview, such as how often you don't attend appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. It is essential to be honest in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests might result in a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult with your doctor before using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD Begin by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist, to be evaluated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides clinical guidelines to diagnose mental disorders. It is essential to provide your provider as much information as possible about your symptoms, so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who conducts the evaluation will examine your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues and ask how the symptoms affect your life. They may also interview your spouse and children, as well as teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you. adhd diagnosis uk adult may include testing for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and help to rule out other conditions causing 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 an inattention type include trouble paying attention, missing details or making mistakes. The person doing the evaluation will also examine the impact these symptoms have on work, school and social interactions. 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 often appear in the early years of childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children have been diagnosed or because of life changes such as an employment change or marriage, or a move to their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant difficulties at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired, facing 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 a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and discuss your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. The interview might also include questions about your work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your daily life at home and in your relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments, and any other documentation relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they should affect development or functioning in more than one setting like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms cannot be explained better by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems throughout their adulthood. The symptoms can affect the school and work environment, leading to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and can cause stress in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you the passage of time. For instance, inattention is more evident as you get older, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you get older. Some other factors can cause problems like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in people with ADHD and sleep habits that are not optimal are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as 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 that you have any other medical conditions. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to speak to your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also reach out to the insurance company you have to determine which health healthcare providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health care professional. The evaluation should contain questions about your childhood, current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at school, at work or in your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults with ADHD, including medication and counseling. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These types of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping methods. For instance, you may learn how to use a planner or keep journals or shown strategies for improving your time management. You may also benefit from changing your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working at home instead of working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You might also want to inquire about taking part in clinical trials which is a study investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health specialist by your family doctor to assess your ADHD. You can also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or connect with a local support organization for people suffering from ADHD.