20 Things That Only The Most Devoted ADHD Diagnosis Adult Fans Know
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults are unable to get an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow different clinical guidelines for the disorder than those for adolescents and children. The diagnosis must include at least five symptoms from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, your work and academic life, drug and alcohol use and the family history. They may also talk with your spouse or friends.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or are having trouble staying focused in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know you're not insane, and that puts you in 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.
A face-to-face appointment with your healthcare provider is typically the first step in an ADHD evaluation. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other documents from your childhood to aid in getting an understanding of your past experiences with ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to talk to your spouse or family member, a co-worker or close friend who knows you well. They might ask questions about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms are interacted with other disorders like depression or anxiety.
The interview will likely include questions about your life, such as how often you forget to pay your bills or attend appointments, or if you have trouble managing your time or organization abilities. It's essential to be honest with your answers, and to consider how these habits affect your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a different doctor or psychologist to conduct an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are available on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests can even lead to the wrong diagnosis, so it's advisable to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. They may recommend you to a mental health specialist for an evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 offers guidelines for clinical care to diagnose mental disorders. 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 conducting the assessment will examine your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and other people who know you well. Your assessment may include testing for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will give your doctor additional information on 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 inattention-deficient include a lack of focus and omitting important details or making mistakes. The person conducting the assessment will also examine the impact these symptoms have on 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.
Usually, these symptoms manifest in the early years of childhood. However, they may also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives like the marriage, job or moving into a new home. In other cases the condition is not recognized until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This could mean being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD A test is the first step in finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional interviews you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may want to bring along copies of your report cards, teacher's remarks as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric specialist utilizes 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 development or functioning in multiple environments, such as school or at home. The symptoms of ADHD need to 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. These symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health in the financial or personal aspects, and cause strain in relationships. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.
Some ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you age and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease with age. Other factors can also cause problems. For diagnosed with adhd known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you have other illnesses, it is crucial to inform your mental health professional, as this could affect the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important that you talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also recommended to inquire if there exist any support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your region. They may have resources and a list of professionals by specialty. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to find out which health healthcare providers are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough assessment by a health professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The assessment should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your life now and a screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD that include medication and counseling. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also called talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thought patterns to positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, that frequently co-exist with ADHD.
Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are often used to treat adults with ADHD. These medications affect the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and the symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when needed. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They don't affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine, and Guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You may learn to use a diary or a planner, or you may be taught time management strategies. You can also adjust your living environment to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance, you could work at home instead of at an office, utilize smartphone apps to keep track of your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also inquire about taking part in clinical studies that is a research-based project that aims to explore new methods to treat conditions and diseases. (NIMH has information about clinical trials.)
Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or other health medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You may also ask your family member or a friend for recommendations, or contact a local support group for people suffering from ADHD.