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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors follow a different set of guidelines for treating the disorder than for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The professionals conducting the assessment will ask questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also ask to speak to your spouse or a friend. What is ADHD? It can be a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble in school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations. You're not crazy, and you can deal with it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. is a 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) contains the guidelines used by professionals 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 assessment usually begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare provider who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood, as it will help the provider get more information about your experience with ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak with a close partner, spouse, family member, or a coworker who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions such as anxiety or depression. The interview will likely include questions about your lifestyle, such as the frequency you fail to pay your bills or make appointments, and whether you have trouble managing your time or organization abilities. It's essential to be honest in your answers and to think about how these behaviors affect your daily routine. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, it's worth consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, however they're not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Certain tests could even result in the wrong diagnosis, so it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider first. Signs and symptoms If you suspect that you have ADHD Begin by talking to your primary care physician. He or she may recommend you to a mental health specialist for an assessment, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians for diagnosing mental disorders. It is crucial to provide your physician as much information as you can regarding your symptoms so they can make an accurate diagnosis. The person who is evaluating you will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may 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 provider additional information about how your ADHD symptoms affect you, and also help determine if there are 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 a person who is mostly inattention are a lack of attention, omitting details or making mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also look at how these symptoms interfere with school, work and social 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. However, they can be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as the start of a new job, a marriage or a move into their own home. In other instances the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial difficulties or getting in trouble with the law. Diagnosis If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD An assessment is the first step in finding treatment. A qualified mental health professional will interview 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 your relationships. You may want to bring along copies of your reports, teacher's comments as well as any other documentation pertinent. The psychiatric practitioner uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to establish the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in more than one environment like school or home. The symptoms of ADHD must not be explained by any other mental disorder, such as mood disorders or anxiety. Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can affect both school and work. They can also cause financial or health issues and can cause stress in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can improve your quality of life. Some symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may become more noticeable as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may diminish as you get older. Other factors may contribute to the difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and poor sleeping habits can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you suffer from any other condition. This could 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. Find out if there are support groups for adults who have ADHD in your locality. They may have resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company you have to determine which health healthcare providers are covered under the plan you have. Treatment A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is the best way to diagnose adult ADHD. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, work or in your relationships. There are many treatments for adults with ADHD which include medication and counseling. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also called talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapy help you learn skills to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also aid with other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression that often co-occur with ADHD. Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are often used to treat adults with ADHD. These drugs alter the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the right medication for your body and symptoms and alters the dose and frequency as needed. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine and the guanfacine. Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn 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 can also adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could choose to work from home instead of at an office, or use apps on your smartphone to monitor your activities, or schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to ask about participating in a clinical trial that is a research study designed to test new methods of treating ailments and diseases. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials. You could be referred to an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician to assess your ADHD. You could also ask a family member or friend for recommendations, or you can contact a local support group for those suffering from ADHD.
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