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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis, since doctors use an entirely 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 inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Professionals conducting an assessment will ask questions about your childhood, education as well as your work and family history. They may also request to speak with your spouse or friend. What is ADHD? It's a relief to get an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and if you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with work or school or have trouble staying focused in conversations. “You aren't crazy, and it puts you in an ideal position to manage it,” says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., 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) provides the guidelines that doctors and specialists use to establish 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 starts with a face-to-face meeting with your healthcare provider who will discuss 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 might ask you to speak to a close family member, spouse, friend member or coworker who is familiar with you well. They might inquire about your relationship as well as their observations of your behavior and how it affects them as well as how your ADHD symptoms interact with other conditions such as anxiety or depression. The interview may be a discussion of your daily routine such as the frequency you fail to pay bills or go to appointments, or if you struggle managing your time or organizational abilities. It is important to be honest with your answers and think about the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, it's worth asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. You can find self-tests and rating scales online, but they're not as reliable or valid as an interview with a licensed professional. Certain tests could result in a wrong diagnosis, so always consult your physician before using them. Signs and symptoms If you suspect that you have ADHD begin by talking to your primary care provider. read here may refer you to a mental health 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 as much information about your symptoms as you can 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. The person conducting the evaluation will also interview your children, spouse teachers, friends, coworkers and others who know you well. Your evaluation could include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests will give your healthcare provider additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can 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. The signs of an inattention type include trouble paying attention, ignoring details or making mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also be able to determine the impact these symptoms have on work, school and 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. These symptoms usually manifest in the early years of childhood. They may also manifest in later life. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed or after changes in their lives such as a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some cases the condition isn't recognized until an adult is experiencing serious issues at work or in their relationships. This could include being fired from a job and having financial problems, or getting into trouble with the law. Diagnosis If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD An assessment 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 be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might want to bring copies of report cards, teacher's comments and any other documentation that may be relevant. The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help determine the diagnosis. To qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, they have to be present for at least six months, and they must interfere with the development or functioning of more than one environment for example, at school or at home. Additionally, the symptoms are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD like an anxiety or mood disorder. Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD can impact the way you work and at school. They can also cause poor health or financial problems, and strain relationships. Being diagnosed and treated can enhance your quality of life. Certain ADHD symptoms may change as you age. For instance, inattention is more evident as you age and the ability to control impulses and hyperactivity may decrease as you age. Other factors can also contribute to difficulties. For example, obstructive sleeping apnea is more common among adults with ADHD. Poor sleeping habits can also worsen ADHD symptoms. Many people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying condition can help eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to inform your mental health professional that you have any other medical conditions. This could have an impact on the effectiveness of treatment. It is important to talk with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health care specialist who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults with ADHD in your locality. They can provide resources and a list of specialties of professionals. You can also contact your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered under your plan. Treatment A thorough evaluation by a health professional is the best method to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The evaluation should include questions about your childhood, as well as questions about your present life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You might be asked whether your ADHD symptoms have caused you to have problems at work, in school or in your relationships. There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD which include medication and counseling. Counseling includes psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments teach you how to manage your symptoms and how to transform negative patterns of thinking into positive ones. They can also assist with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. Psychostimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are often employed in the treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. These drugs affect the way certain brain chemicals communicate to regulate behavior. Your doctor will choose the best medication for you and your symptoms, and adjust the dosage and frequency accordingly. Nonstimulants can also be used to treat adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to interfere with the same brain pathways that psychostimulants do. Nonstimulant medicines include atomoxetine Guanfacine and the guanfacine. Coaching or mentoring is a way to teach adults with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. For example, you might be taught how to use a planner or journals or given strategies for improving your time management. You could also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, for instance, working from home instead of at a office, using smartphone apps to monitor your tasks or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You may also wish to ask about participating in clinical trials that is a research study designed to test new ways of treating illnesses and conditions. (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 call an local ADHD support group.