Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults - CHADD

1 Diagnosis of adhd in Adults adhd is a neurodevelopmental disorder Clinical guidelines for Diagnosis of adhd . characterized by a persistent pattern are provided by the American P sychiatric of inattention and/or hyperactivity and Association in the diagnostic manual impulsivity that interferes with daily Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental functioning or life's achievements. adhd Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These begins in childhood and often continues established guidelines are widely used in through adolescence and adulthood. When research and clinical practice. During an not properly identified, diagnosed and evaluation, the clinician will try to determine treated, adhd has potentially devastating the extent to which these symptoms a pply consequences and can lead to significant currently to the adult and if they have issues personally and professionally.

2 Been present in childhood. In making the Diagnosis , Adults should have at least five of Although there is no single medical, physical, the symptoms present. These symptoms can or genetic test for adhd , a diagnostic change over time, so Adults may fit different evaluation can be provided by a qualified presentations from when they were children. mental health care professional or p hysician who gathers information from m ultiple The DSM-5 lists three presentations sources. These sources include adhd of adhd Predominantly Inattentive, symptom checklists, standardized behavior Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined. rating scales, a detailed history of past and The symptoms for each are adapted and current functioning, and information obtained summarized below.

3 From family members or significant others who know the person well. Some practitioners adhd predominantly inattentive will also conduct tests of cognitive ability and presentation academic achievement in order to rule out a Fails to give close attention to details or possible learning disability. adhd c annot be makes careless mistakes diagnosed accurately just from brief o ffice Has difficulty sustaining attention observations or simply by talking to the person. The person may not always exhibit Does not appear to listen the symptoms of adhd during the office visit, and the diagnostician needs to take a thorough history of the individual's life. A Diagnosis National of adhd must include consideration of the Resource possible presence of co-occurring conditions.

4 Center on adhd . A Program of CHADD . 1. Struggles to follow through with i mpairment in various life domains, such instructions as home, school or work; with friends or Has difficulty with organization relatives; or in other activities). It is possible to meet diagnostic criteria for adhd without any Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. mental effort The clinician must further determine if these Loses things symptoms are caused by other conditions, or are influenced by co-existing conditions. Is easily distracted Several of the symptoms must have been Is forgetful in daily activities present prior to age 12. This generally adhd predominantly hyperactive- requires corroboration by a parent or some impulsive presentation other i nformant.

5 It is important to note that the presence of significant impairment in at Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in least two major settings of the person's life is chair central to the Diagnosis of adhd . Impairment Has difficulty remaining seated refers to how adhd interferes with an Runs about or climbs excessively in individual's life. Examples of impairment children; extreme restlessness in Adults include losing a job because of adhd . symptoms, experiencing excessive conflict and Difficulty engaging in activities quietly distress in a marriage, getting into financial Acts as if driven by a motor; Adults will trouble because of impulsive spending, failure often feel inside as if they are driven by a to pay bills in a timely manner or being put on motor academic probation in college due to failing Talks excessively grades.

6 If the individual exhibits a number of adhd symptoms but they do not cause Blurts out answers before questions have significant impairment, s/he may not meet been completed the criteria to be diagnosed with adhd as a Difficulty waiting or taking turns clinical disorder. Interrupts or intrudes upon others Internet self-rating scales There are many Internet sites about adhd that offer various types of questionnaires and lists of symptoms. Most of these questionnaires are not standardized or scientifically validated and should not be used to self-diagnose or to diagnose others with adhd . A valid Diagnosis can only be provided by a qualified, licensed professional. Who is qualified to diagnose adhd ? For Adults , an adhd diagnostic evaluation adhd combined presentation should be conducted by a licensed mental health professional or a physician.

7 These The individual meets the criteria for both professionals include clinical psychologists, inattention and hyperactive-impulsive physicians (psychiatrist, neurologist, family adhd presentations. doctor or other type of physician) or clinical social workers. A Diagnosis of adhd is determined by the clinician based on the number and severity Whichever type of professional is chosen, of symptoms, the duration of symptoms and it is important to ask about their training the degree to which these symptoms cause 2. and experience in working with Adults with adhd . Many times the professional's l evel adhd Facts: of knowledge and expertise about adult adhd is more important for obtaining an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder accurate Diagnosis and effective treatment ( adhd ) is a neurodevelopmental plan than the type of professional degree.

8 Disorder characterized by a persistent Qualified professionals are usually willing to pattern of inattention and/or provide i nformation about their training and hyperactivity and impulsivity that experience with Adults with adhd . Reluctance interferes with daily functioning and to provide such information in response life's achievements. to reasonable requests should be regarded adhd affects 17 million people of with suspicion and may be an indicator that every age, gender, IQ, religion and the individual should seek out a different socioeconomic background across the professional. United States. How do I find a professional qualified to Despite overwhelming scientific diagnose adhd ? evidence endorsed by the most Ask your personal physician for a referral to prestigious medical organizations in the a health care professional in your community world there is still a lot of inaccurate who is qualified to perform adhd e valuations information circulating, leading to for Adults .

9 It may also be helpful to call a confusion and doubt among uninformed local university-based hospital, a medical or misinformed audiences as to the school or a graduate school in psychology for validity of adhd . recommendations. If there is an adhd support group in your area, it may be very helpful to go adhd and ADD are one and the same. there and talk with the people attending the The only difference within adhd is that group. Chances are that many of them have some individuals have hyperactivity and worked with one or more professionals in your some do not. The term ADD is no longer community and can provide information about used. them. Most insurance plans list professionals Among Adults with adhd , there is lower by specialty and can assist those who educational achievement and career participate in their plans to find a health care attainment, co-occurring psychiatric professional.

10 Finally, there are many internet disorders, and higher suicide rates. sites that list providers of adhd services, including CHADD 's professional directory. For Adults with adhd , more than 80%. have at least one other disorder, more How do I know if I need an evaluation for than 50% have two, and more than 33% adhd ? have at least three other disorders. Most Adults who seek an evaluation for adhd . These disorders i nclude depression, experience significant problems in one or anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, more areas of living. The following are some of conduct disorder, and alcohol and drug the most common problems: use disorders. Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently adhd is highly manageable with an individualized, multimodal treatment History of academic and/or career approach that can include behavioral underachievement int erventions, parent/patient training, Poor ability to manage day-to-day educational support, and medication.