ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis than they do for children and teenagers. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, work and academic life, alcohol and drug usage, and the family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or a close friend.
What is ADHD?
It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have difficulty with work or school or have trouble staying focused during conversations. You're not alone, and you can manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. is a 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) contains the guidelines providers use to make 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.
adhd adult diagnosis uk begins with a face-to–face conversation with your healthcare provider, who will review 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 doctor may also request to talk to your spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who know you well. They may ask about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects you. They might also inquire what ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
You will be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, such as how often you forget to go to appointments or pay bills, or if you have issues with managing time. It is essential to be honest with your answers and take note of how these behaviors affect your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different doctor or therapist if you are unsure about the symptoms. There are self-tests and rating scales online, however they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even lead to a wrong diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your physician before using them.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, start by talking to your primary care physician. He or she might refer you to a mental healthcare specialist for an evaluation, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is important to provide as much details about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will review your medical, psychological, and psychiatric history, including any past issues and ask how the symptoms affect your life. He or she may also interview your spouse and children as well as teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you. Your assessment could include behavioral, neuropsychological or learning disability testing. These tests will give your provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you and 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.
The symptoms of a person who is primarily inattentive are a lack of attention not paying attention to details, or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also assess how these signs affect the school, work 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in childhood. They can also occur in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after 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 is not diagnosed until an adult has significant problems at work or in their relationships. This could mean being dismissed from a job or having financial issues, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing you should do in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history, and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your school and work performance, and how symptoms affect you at home as well as with your relationships. You might wish to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher comments and any other information that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. To qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they must be present for at minimum six months and be interfering with the development or functioning of multiple settings, such as at school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to not be explained by other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling throughout their lives. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects and stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve your quality of life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD develop with age, for example attention deficit symptoms can become more noticeable as you age, and impulsivity and hyperactivity could diminish with age. Other factors may cause problems such as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. It is essential to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer you to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults with ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources as well as a list by specialization of specialists. You can also contact the insurance company you are with to determine which health care providers are covered under the plan you have.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach to diagnose adult ADHD is to undergo a thorough examination by a health professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, at work or in your relationships.
Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also help in addressing other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, that often occur in conjunction with ADHD.
Medication for adults with ADHD often involves psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and alters the dose and frequency as required. There are also nonstimulants available, that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do, and they can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine and guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping methods. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown strategies for managing time. You could also alter your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could choose to work from your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps to keep track of your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You may also want to inquire about taking part in a clinical trial, which is a research trial designed to test new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH has adhd adult diagnosis uk about clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or other health healthcare professional to evaluate the severity of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.