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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults Adults often struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for treating adults that they use for adolescents and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms that fall within the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. The professionals conducting the evaluation will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, your alcohol and drug use, and your family history. They may also discuss your relationship with your spouse or other family members. What is ADHD? It's a relief to receive an ADHD diagnosis in your adulthood and if you're constantly losing keys, have trouble at school or work, or are struggling to stay focused during conversations. You're not crazy, and you are able to manage it better, says Mary V. Solanto Ph.D. Professor of Psychology at the Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) is a guideline for doctors 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. An ADHD evaluation typically begins with a face-to-face interview with your healthcare professional, who will review your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It is helpful to bring reports cards or other information from your childhood to help the provider get more information about your experience with ADHD. Your provider may ask to speak to a close friend, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They may ask about your relationship, the way they view your behavior and how it affects your life. They may also ask how ADHD symptoms can be linked to other conditions, like anxiety or depression. You'll be asked questions about your life during the interview, including the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills, or if you have difficulties managing your time. adhd diagnosis adults is important to be honest with your answers and consider the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. Ask your healthcare professional for a referral to another specialist or therapist if aren't sure about your symptoms. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a qualified professional. Some of these tests might result in a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your physician prior to using them. Symptoms Speak to your primary healthcare provider if you think you might be suffering from ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct an evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to diagnose mental disorders. It's important to provide as much detail about your symptoms as possible so that your provider can determine the most accurate diagnosis. The person who evaluates you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The person conducting the evaluation could also interview your spouse and children as well as teachers, colleagues and others who know you. Your test may include neuropsychological, behavioral, or learning disability tests. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help rule out other conditions that 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. Symptoms of the predominantly inattentive type include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details or making careless mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms interfere with school, work 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 be present in adulthood. Some adults recognise their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or because of changes in their lives such as the start of a new job or marriage, or a move into their own home. In other instances the disorder is not diagnosed until an adult is confronted with significant difficulties at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired, having financial problems or getting into trouble with the law. Diagnosis A screening is the first step you should take in the event that you suspect you might have ADHD. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and review your symptoms, medical history and family history. The interview may also include questions about work and school performance, as well as how the symptoms affect your daily life at home and in relationships. You may be required to bring copies of report cards, teacher notes and any other information that might be relevant. The psychiatric practitioner employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they must affect development or functioning in more than one setting like school or at home. In addition, the signs must not be better explained by another mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder. Many people suffering from ADHD are still struggling into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can impact both school and work. They can also lead to financial or health issues and can cause stress in relationships. The treatment and diagnosis you receive can improve the quality of your life. Some ADHD symptoms change with the passage of time. For instance, inattention may become more apparent as you age and hyperactivity and impulse control may decrease as you age. Other factors can contribute to the difficulties. For example the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root condition can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to inform your mental health professional if you suffer from any other condition. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment. It is essential to talk to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources and a list of specialties of specialists. You can also contact the insurance company that you have to determine which health care providers are covered under your plan. Treatment A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best way to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, questions about your current life, and a check for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked about any problems that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, at work or in your relationships. Counseling and medication are two of the many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. These types of therapies assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. They can also help with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety that often co-occur with ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs affect the way certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will select a medication that is appropriate for your body and symptoms, and adjusts the dosage and frequency as required. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults with ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways as psychostimulants do. Examples of nonstimulant drugs are atomoxetine as well as guanfacine. Coaching or mentoring can be used to teach adults suffering from ADHD strategies and coping methods. You may learn to make use of a diary or planner, or you may be taught techniques for managing your time. You could also benefit from adjusting your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, like working from home rather than working in a place of work and using apps on your phone to track tasks or scheduling appointments at times that are less crowded. You might also want to inquire about participating in clinical studies which is a research endeavor designed to explore new methods to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials. Sometimes your family doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist health specialist or another health care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact an local ADHD support group.