ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, as doctors follow a different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at least 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, work and academic life, drug and alcohol usage, and the family history. They may also talk to your spouse or other family members.

What is ADHD?

Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or struggle to stay focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in a better position to deal with 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) offers guidelines for healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD. 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 assessment usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare professional who will go over your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other documents from your childhood, as it can help the provider get an understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your provider may ask to speak to a close partner, spouse, family member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they observe your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.

The interview will likely include questions about your life, such as the frequency you fail to pay your bills or attend appointments, or if you have trouble managing your time or organizational skills. It is crucial to be truthful in your answers and consider how these habits impact your daily life. Request your healthcare professional for a referral to another practitioner or therapist if are unsure of your symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so you should always consult your physician prior to using them.

Signs and symptoms

Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may have ADHD. He or she might recommend you to a mental healthcare specialist for an assessment, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It's crucial to give your doctor as much detail as possible regarding your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.

The person evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also interview your children and spouse, as well as coworkers, teachers, and other people who know you. Your evaluation may include tests for neuropsychological disorders or behavioral problems. These tests will provide your doctor with additional information about your ADHD symptoms and can help rule out 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.

Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include trouble paying attention, not noticing details or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also determine the impact these symptoms have on 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 childhood. They may also manifest 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 some instances, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from a job and having financial problems, or being in trouble with the law.

Diagnosis

A screening is the first thing you should take if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will talk to you and discuss your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. Interview questions may be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks, and any other documentation pertinent.

The psychiatric specialist utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with development or functioning in more than one setting for example, at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD should not be attributed to any other mental disorder like mood disorders or anxiety.

Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact both school and work. They can also lead to financial or health issues and can cause stress in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.

Some signs of ADHD alter with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can be more apparent as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity may lessen as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For how to diagnosis adhd known as obstructive sleep apnea is more common among adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.

Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional if you have any other conditions. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment.

It is important that you talk to your primary doctor who can refer to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out about the health care providers who are covered by your policy.

Treatment

A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You could also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms are causing at work, school or in your relationships.

Counseling and medication are two of the many treatments that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also be helpful in addressing other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, that frequently co-occur with ADHD.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and alter the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants are also available which do not have the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do and can be effective for adults with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.


Other options for treatment for adults with ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping skills. You may learn to make use of a diary or planner, or you may be taught strategies for managing time. You could also alter your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could choose to work from home instead of an office, or use apps on your smartphone to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about joining clinical trials that is a research trial designed to test new methods of treating illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.

You could be referred to a mental specialist or another health care professional by your family physician for an assessment of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or friend for recommendations, or you can contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.