ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different guidelines for treating adults that they use for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use, and family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or a friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly 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 huge relief. "You aren't crazy, and this puts you in an ideal position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., 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) offers the guidelines providers use to establish 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 usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will help the provider get more information about your history with ADHD. Your provider may ask to talk to a partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.
The interview is likely to be a discussion of your daily routine like the frequency you fail to pay your bills or attend appointments, or if you have trouble managing your time or organizational skills. It's important to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, consider consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a doctor or psychologist for an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests can even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's advisable to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect you have ADHD begin by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist, for evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is crucial to provide your doctor as much detail as you can about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation might also talk to your children and spouse, as well as coworkers, teachers and others who know you. Your assessment could include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability tests. These tests can give your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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 signs of a person who is inattention-deficient include a lack of focus not paying attention to details, or making careless errors. The person who evaluates the child will also be able to determine how these signs affect 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.
These symptoms often appear in the early years of childhood. They can also develop in later life. Adults may be able to recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after an event in their lives like a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being fired, facing financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD A test is the first step in finding treatment. A licensed mental health professional interviews you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You might want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric professional employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they must affect development or functioning in multiple environments like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be explained by other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD can affect work and school. They can also lead to poor health or financial problems and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can become more noticeable as you get older and impulsivity and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors may cause problems such as obstructive sleep apnea occurs more often in people with ADHD and sleep disorders can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.
adhd diagnosis adult uk is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a 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 your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
The most effective approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may 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 available for adults with ADHD. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help in dealing with other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that frequently co-occur with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD typically involves psychostimulants such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way certain chemicals within your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend 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 as psychostimulants and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping methods. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown strategies for managing time. You can also modify your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, or use apps on your smartphone to keep track of your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about participating in a clinical study which is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH offers information about 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 a friend for suggestions, or join a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.