ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Adults often have trouble getting an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different clinical guidelines that they use for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs that fall within 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, alcohol and drug use and the family history. They might also talk to your spouse or other family members.

What is ADHD?

If you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty with school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a massive relief. You're not crazy and are able to manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. adhd diagnose 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) offers the guidelines that doctors and specialists 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 usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other evidence from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining more information about your experience with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse or a family member, coworker or close friend who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior, and how it affects you. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.

The interview is likely to include questions about your lifestyle like how often you forget to pay your bills or make appointments, and whether you struggle with time management or organizational abilities. It is important to be truthful in your answers and think about how these behaviors affect your daily life. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a different specialist or therapist if are unsure about the symptoms. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they aren't as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's best to talk to your doctor first.

Symptoms

If you suspect that you may have ADHD Begin talking to your primary care provider. They 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 is crucial to provide your doctor as much detail as you can regarding your symptoms so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.

The person doing the evaluation will examine your medical, psychological and psychiatric history, including any past issues, and ask about how your symptoms impact your life. They will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and other people who know you well. Your assessment may include testing for learning disabilities, behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and help to 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 signs of an inattention type include difficulty paying attention, missing details or making careless mistakes. The person evaluating the child will also determine 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.

These symptoms often appear in the early years of childhood. They can also occur in later life. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after a change in their life such as getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In other instances, the condition goes undiagnosed until the adult experiences major issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired, facing financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law.

Diagnosis

A screening is the first thing you should do when you suspect that you may have ADHD. A licensed mental health professional will meet with you and review your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions could also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You may be required to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other documentation that could be relevant.

The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they must affect development or functioning in more than one environment like school or home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by another mental disorder like an anxiety or mood disorder.

Many people with ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. The symptoms can affect work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues, and cause strain in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.

Some ADHD symptoms can change with age. For example, inattentiveness is more evident as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may diminish as you age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more frequent in people with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.

People with ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If just click for source suffer from other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional, as this can influence the effectiveness of your treatment.

It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer you to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of specialists. You can also reach out to your insurance company to inquire about the health care providers who are covered under your plan.

Treatment

A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is the best method to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, questions about your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, in school or in your relationships.

There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medications. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help you learn how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression that often co-occur with ADHD.

Medication for adults with ADHD often involves psychostimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the right medication for you and your specific symptoms and adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They do not interfere with the same brain pathways in the same way that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine and guanfacine.

Other treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to teach strategies and coping techniques. You might learn how to utilize a diary or planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You could also alter your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps to track your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You might also inquire about participating in a clinical study that is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)

You may be referred to a mental specialist or another health care professional 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.
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