ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use an entirely different set of clinical guidelines for the disorder than for children and teens. The diagnosis requires at minimum five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

Professionals conducting an assessment will ask questions about your education, childhood, work, and family history. They might also want to speak to your spouse or friend.

What is ADHD?

It can be a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, whether you're constantly losing keys, have trouble at school or work, or are having trouble staying focused when talking to others. "You aren't crazy, and it puts you in better position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is a professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on 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 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.

An ADHD assessment usually begins with a face-to–face conversation with your doctor, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help the provider determine the cause of your ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you speak to a close family member, spouse, friend member, or a coworker who knows you well. They may ask about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects your life. They might also inquire how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like depression or an anxiety disorder.

You'll be asked about your life during the interview, and this includes how often you forget to go to appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulties managing your time. It is crucial to be honest with your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests are available as well as rating scales online, however they're not as reliable and valid as an interview with a qualified provider. Certain tests could even lead to a false diagnosis, so always consult your healthcare provider prior to using them.

Signs and symptoms

Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you have ADHD. They can refer you to a mental health professional like psychiatrist or psychologist to be evaluated. 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 essential to provide as much information regarding your symptoms as you can so that your provider can determine the most accurate diagnosis.

The person who evaluates you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. He or she will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, colleagues, and others who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and help rule out other conditions 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 someone who is primarily inattentive include a lack of focus, omitting details or making mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also examine the impact these symptoms have on work, school and social interactions. 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.

Often, these symptoms appear in the early years of childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or due to changes in their lives, such as a new job, a marriage or a move to their own home. In other cases the disorder is not diagnosed until the adult experiences significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired from a job or having financial issues, or getting into trouble with the law.

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If you think you have ADHD A test is the first step towards finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and reviews your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher's comments and any other documents that could be relevant.

The psychiatric professional employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months and they must interfere with development or functioning in multiple environments like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms cannot be explained better by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder.

Many people with ADHD have issues that persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact work and school. They can also lead to poor health or financial issues and can cause stress in relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can improve the quality of your life.

Certain symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for example the symptoms of inattention may become more evident as you get older and hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease as you age. Other factors may contribute to the difficulties such as obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can help eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other conditions, it is important to tell your mental health professional as this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.



It is essential to consult your primary physician who can refer you to a health professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also an excellent idea to inquire if there are any support groups specifically for adults with ADHD in your region. They can offer assistance and a list specialists by specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about the health care providers who are covered by your policy.

Treatment

The most effective method to diagnose adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a medical professional. The evaluation should contain questions regarding your childhood, your current life and the screening for ADHD symptoms. You could be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at work, school or in your relationships.

There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medication. Counseling is a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapies aid you in learning to manage your symptoms and transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which often co-occur along with ADHD.

Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are commonly used in the treatment of adults with ADHD. These medications affect how certain chemicals in the brain communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing and adjust the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants are also available which do not act on the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and can be beneficial for people with ADHD. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine.

Other treatment options for adults with ADHD could include coaching or mentoring to help you learn strategies and coping techniques. For instance, you may be taught how to use a planner or keep a journal, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For example you could work from your home instead of in an office, use smartphone apps to track your tasks or schedule appointments for less busy times. You might also want to inquire about taking part in a clinical trial that is a research trial designed to test new methods to treat ailments and diseases. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.

Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a mental health specialist or another medical professional to conduct an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact a local ADHD support group.