how to diagnose adhd For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different clinical guidelines that they use for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, alcohol and drug use and the family history. They might also talk to your spouse or family members.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, struggle with work or school or struggle to stay focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. You're not crazy, and you 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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) provides the guidelines that doctors and specialists 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.
A face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider is typically the first step in an ADHD assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help your doctor understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close family member, spouse, friend member or co-worker who knows you well. They could ask questions about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions such as anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked about your life during the interview, including how often you don't attend appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulty with time management. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily routine. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to another specialist or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your healthcare provider prior to using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD Begin talking to your primary healthcare provider. They may recommend you to a mental health professional for evaluation, like psychologist or psychiatrist. 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 essential to provide your physician as much information as possible about your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who evaluates you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your evaluation could include testing for neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests will provide your doctor 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 symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include difficulty paying attention, missing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also be able to determine how these signs affect work, school 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 usually manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or after a change in their life such as the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until an adult is confronted with significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from work and having financial problems, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and examine your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. Interview questions could be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with relationships. You might want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher comments as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric specialist will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist make the diagnosis. To be able to make a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months and interfere with the development or functioning of multiple settings, such as at school or at home. In addition, the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people with ADHD continue to have problems throughout their lives. The symptoms can affect the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health and stress in relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you can make a difference in your life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with age. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you get older. Other factors can also cause problems. For instance sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People with ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is important to inform your mental health professional that you have any other conditions. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is essential to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can offer information and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about the health care providers who are covered by your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at school, at work or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medications. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are commonly used in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These medications affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing, and adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They don't affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. You might learn how to make use of a diary or planner, or learn strategies for managing time. You could also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of working in a place of work, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You may also want to inquire about joining clinical trials, which is a research trial designed to test new ways of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can connect with a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD.