ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors use a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms that fall within the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, your alcohol and drug use and the family history. They might also talk to your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
It can be a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, are having trouble with work or school or have trouble staying focused when talking to others. You're not alone, and you can manage it better, according to Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at 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) offers the guidelines providers use to determine 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 typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare professional who will go over your symptoms and their impact on your life. Bring any reports from your childhood to help the doctor to understand the history of your ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects you. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.
You will be asked about your life during the interview, such as how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills or if you experience issues with managing time. It is crucial to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you are unsure of your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Certain tests could even result in a false diagnosis, so it's recommended to speak with your doctor first.
adhd adults diagnosis uk
If you suspect that you have ADHD begin by talking to your primary care provider. He or she might refer you to a mental health specialist for an assessment, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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 you can about your symptoms so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will review your mental, psychological and medical history, including past problems and ask how your symptoms impact your life. They could also interview your spouse and children as well as coworkers, teachers and others who know you. Your assessment may include tests for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests can give your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can help rule out other conditions that can 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 an inattention type include trouble paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also look at 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. They can also occur in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after changes in their lives like a job, marriage or moving into their own home. In some cases the condition isn't diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed, having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD An assessment is the first step in finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional will talk to you and examine your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. Interview questions could be asked about your work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might be required to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that could be relevant.
The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. To be able to make the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at least six months and interfere with development or functioning in more than one setting, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be attributed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people with ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. These symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues and stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Some ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is crucial to consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire whether there are any support groups specifically for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They can offer resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to the insurance company you have to find out which health medical professionals are covered by your plan.
Treatment
The most effective method for diagnosing adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many options available for adults with ADHD. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These kinds of therapies help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking to positive ones. They can also help in dealing with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur with ADHD.
Psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often utilized for treating adults with ADHD. These drugs affect the way certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and symptoms, and alters the dose and frequency as required. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do, and they can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include atomoxetine guanfacine, and the guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you could be taught how to use a planner or keep a journal, or you might be shown strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example, you could work at your home instead of in an office, or use apps on your smartphone to keep track of your tasks, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health care specialist by your family doctor to assess your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.