20 Things That Only The Most Devoted ADHD Diagnosis Adult Fans Should Know
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires at minimum five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
Professionals doing an evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, drug and alcohol usage, and the family history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty in school or work, or are having trouble staying focused in conversations. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to deal with it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. is an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at the 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 go over your symptoms and their impact on your life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it can help the provider get a better understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor might ask you to speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.
You'll be asked questions about your daily routine during the interview, such as how often you forget to make appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It is important to be honest with your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another specialist or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician before using them.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you have ADHD begin by speaking to your primary healthcare provider. He or she might recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 offers guidelines for clinical care to identify mental disorders. It is essential to provide your doctor as much detail as possible about your symptoms so 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 your symptoms impact your life. He or she will also talk to your spouse, children teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your evaluation may include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests may provide your physician with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and 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.
The symptoms of a person who is primarily inattentive include difficulty paying attention not paying attention to details, or making erroneous mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact work, school and social activities. 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 childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Adults may be able to recognize 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 cases the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences major problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first step you should do if you suspect you have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and evaluates your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview might also include questions about work and school performance, as well as how your symptoms impact your life at home and in relationships. You might wish to bring copies of report cards, teacher's comments and any other information that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months and they must affect development or functioning in more than one setting, such as school or home. In addition, the signs cannot be explained better by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Iampsychiatry with ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. These symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor health and financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your quality of life.
Certain ADHD symptoms can change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention can become more evident as you get older, and impulse control and hyperactivity can decrease as you get older. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties, for example obstructive sleep apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep disorders can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If you have other conditions, it is important to tell your mental health professional as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They may have resources and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also be helpful in dealing with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which often co-exist with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs affect the way certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and your symptoms, and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine, and guanfacine.
Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD can include coaching or mentoring to teach strategies and coping skills. For example, you might learn how to keep a planner in place or a journal, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from your home instead of in an office, use smartphone apps to monitor your activities or schedule appointments for less busy times. You might also want to inquire about joining clinical trials, which is a research trial designed to test new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
You could be referred the mental specialist or other health care professional by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact the local ADHD support group.