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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors follow a different set of guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires at least five signs from the categories of hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Professionals who conduct an assessment will ask you questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or a close friend. What is ADHD? It's not always a good thing to get an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood, whether you're constantly losing your keys, have difficulty at school or work, or have trouble staying focused during conversations. “You know you're not insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to handle it,” says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is an associate 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 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 begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare provider, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is beneficial to bring your report cards or other evidence from your childhood to aid the doctor in gaining an understanding of your history with ADHD. Your provider may also ask to speak to a spouse or family member, a co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They might inquire about your relationship, the way they view your behavior, and how it affects your life. They could also inquire how ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. The interview will likely include questions about your life, such as how often you don't remember to pay bills or make appointments, and whether you have trouble with time management or organization skills. It is essential to be honest with your answers and think about how these habits impact your daily life. If you're uncertain about your symptoms, you should consider consulting your healthcare professional to refer you to a doctor or psychologist for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests may even lead to a false diagnosis, so it is recommended to always consult your healthcare provider before using them. Symptoms If you suspect that you have ADHD Begin by speaking to your primary care provider. He or she may recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for 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 important to provide as much information about your symptoms as possible so that your physician can make a precise diagnosis. The person who is evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also talk to your children, spouse, teachers, co-workers and others who know you well. Your evaluation may include tests for behavioral disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional details about your ADHD symptoms and help to 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 symptoms of a person who is primarily inattentive include difficulty paying attention, omitting details or making erroneous mistakes. The person doing the evaluation 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. These symptoms often appear in childhood. However, they can also be present in adulthood. Adults may recognize their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives such as getting married, a job or moving into their own home. In some cases, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being dismissed from work, having financial problems or being in trouble with the law. Diagnosis If you think you have ADHD, a screening is the first step towards finding a treatment. A licensed mental health professional will talk to you and review your symptoms along with your medical history and family history. Interview questions can be asked about your work and school performance, and how the symptoms affect you at home and with your relationships. You might wish to bring copies of your report cards, teacher notes and any other documents that could be relevant. The psychiatric practitioner will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they should affect the development of a child or their functioning in multiple environments like school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder. Many people suffering from ADHD have problems well into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can be detrimental to both school and work. They can also cause poor health or financial issues and stress relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can enhance your quality of life. Some symptoms of ADHD alter with age, for instance the symptoms of inattention may be more apparent as you age and impulsivity and hyperactivity may decrease with age. Other factors can cause problems. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms. Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can alleviate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other illnesses, it is crucial to inform your mental health professional, as this can affect the effectiveness of your treatment. It is important that you speak to your primary physician who can refer to an expert in ADHD assessments for adults. It is also a good idea to ask if there are any support groups for people with ADHD in your region. They can offer assistance and a list specialists with specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered under your plan. Treatment The most effective method to determine if you have ADHD is a thorough evaluation by a health care professional. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your current life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, at school or with your relationships. There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include counseling and medication. Psychotherapy can be a part of counseling, also known as talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These types of therapy assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns to positive ones. They can also be helpful in addressing other mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD. Medication for adults with ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend a medication that is appropriate for your body and the symptoms and adjusts the dose and frequency as needed. There are also nonstimulants available, that do not affect the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do, and they can be effective for adults with ADHD. I Am Psychiatry of nonstimulant medicines are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine. Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. For instance, you may be taught how to use a planner or keep journals, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from changing your lifestyle to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working from home instead of working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments at times that are less busy. You might also want to inquire about joining clinical trials which is a study trial designed to test new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH has information on clinical trials.) You could be referred an expert in mental health or another health care specialist by your family doctor for a diagnosis of your ADHD. You can ask a friend or family member for recommendations or call an local ADHD support group.