Quiz: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Diagnosis Adult? ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Many adults have difficulty getting 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 signs in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask questions about your childhood, education, work, and family history. They may also want to talk with your spouse or friends.

What is ADHD?

It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood regardless of whether you're constantly losing keys, are having trouble at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused in conversations. "You aren't insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., professor of psychology and psychiatry 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 used by professionals 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 typically starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. It's helpful to bring report cards or other information from your childhood, as it will aid in getting more information about your history with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to talk to your spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, and also how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like anxiety or depression.

You'll be asked about your lifestyle during the interview, such as the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills or if you experience difficulty with time management. It's crucial to be honest in your answers and consider how these habits affect your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare professional to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. There are self-tests and rating scales on the internet, but they aren't as reliable or reliable as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests may even lead to an incorrect diagnosis, so it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider first.

Symptoms

Talk to your primary healthcare provider if think you might be suffering from ADHD. They may recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for evaluation, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is essential to provide your doctor as much detail as possible about your symptoms, so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis.

The person doing the evaluation will examine your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues, and ask about how the symptoms affect your life. They will also interview your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your assessment could include behavioral, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. These tests can provide your provider with additional information 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 a person who is mostly inattention include a lack of focus not paying attention to details, or making erroneous mistakes. The person who evaluates the child will also assess the impact these symptoms have on school, work and even 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.

Often, these symptoms appear in childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed or due to life changes such as a new job or marriage or move to their own home. In some instances the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing serious issues at work or in their relationships. This can include being fired, facing financial problems or getting into trouble with the law.

Diagnosis

A screening is the first thing to do if you suspect you have ADHD. adult adhd diagnoses licensed mental health professional meets with you and evaluates your symptoms, medical background and family history. Interview questions can also be asked about your school and work performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with relationships. You may be required to bring a copy of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documents that could be relevant.

The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present for at least six months, and they must affect the development of a child or their functioning in more than one environment like school or home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.

Many people suffering from ADHD suffer from problems that last into adulthood. Symptoms can impact work and school, lead to poor health and financial issues, and cause strain in relationships. If diagnosed and treated, you can improve your life.

Some ADHD symptoms may change as you the passage of time. For example, inattentiveness can become more evident as you get older, and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you age. Other factors can cause problems like obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults with ADHD and poor sleeping habits are known to exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, and other learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional because this can affect the effectiveness of your treatment.

It is crucial to speak to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a medical professional trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there are support groups for adults suffering from ADHD in your locality. 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 by your plan.

Treatment

A thorough assessment by a medical professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The examination should include questions regarding your childhood, your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused issues at work, at school or in your relationships.

There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD which include medication and counseling. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can include also known as talk therapy and cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also assist in addressing other mental health issues like depression and anxiety, that frequently co-occur with ADHD.

Psychostimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate are commonly utilized for treating adults suffering from ADHD. These medicines affect how certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing, and alter the dosage and frequency according to your needs. Nonstimulants are also used to treat adults with ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine.

Other options for treatment for adults suffering from ADHD may include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For example, you might 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 benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working at home instead of at a office or using apps on your smartphone to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that are less crowded. You might also want to inquire about taking part in an clinical study, which is a research-based project that aims to explore new methods to treat illnesses and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.


You may be referred to an expert in mental health or another health professional by your family physician for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations or contact the local ADHD support group.