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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors follow an entirely different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, alcohol and drug use, and your family history. They may also ask to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, struggle with school or work or are having trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. “You know that you’re not crazy, and it puts you in a better position to handle it,” says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is an associate 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 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.
An ADHD evaluation usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional, who will review your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it can help the provider get an understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor may also request to speak to a spouse or a family member, coworker or close friend who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions like anxiety or depression.
The interview will likely include questions about your life such as how often you don’t remember to pay your bills or attend appointments, and whether you struggle managing your time or organizational abilities. It’s essential to be honest with your answers and to consider how these habits affect your daily life. If you’re uncertain about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor for an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, however they aren’t as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a false diagnosis, so you should always consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you may have ADHD begin talking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she 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’s crucial to give your provider as much information as possible about your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will review your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. He or she could also interview your children and spouse as well as teachers, coworkers and others who know you. Your assessment may include testing for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and can help determine if other conditions are 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.
Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, missing details or making mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in childhood. They can also develop in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or due to changes in their lives such as the start of a new job 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. adult adhd diagnosis uk could mean being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should take when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will interview you and review your symptoms, medical history, and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher’s comments and any other documentation that could be 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 for at least six months and they must interfere with the development of a child or their functioning in multiple environments, such as school or home. Additionally, the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to have problems into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact work and school. They can also cause poor health or financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms change with age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age, and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish with age. Other factors can contribute to difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Many people with 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 essential to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This can influence the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire whether there are any support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They may have resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to the insurance company that you have to determine which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The examination should include questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help in addressing other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are often utilized for treating adults suffering from ADHD. These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for you and your symptoms and will alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to affect the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine Guanfacine and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping skills. You might learn how to utilize a diary or planner, or be shown time management strategies. You may also benefit from adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home instead of in a workplace and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less busy. You might also inquire about joining an clinical study, which is a research project designed to explore new methods to treat conditions and diseases. (NIMH provides 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 can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact a local ADHD support group.