Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They could also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that may be a sign of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because their friends or family have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD and that the process requires more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They occur in two or more settings--for example, school, home and at work. They can also affect the daily activities of people.
Your healthcare professional may need to conduct additional tests to determine a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical or mental illnesses. This may include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to test thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And this could mean discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you may also want to speak to your spouse, close family members and friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They might even ask for permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD may find that their symptoms can affect their daily life, especially at school and at work. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also review the family and medical history of the person and take into account other mental health issues. If a person has several of the 9 symptoms, their provider uses guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to assign a diagnosis: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type.
The signs of an inattentive personality include trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get distracted or lose the track of time.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type often fidget, move around frequently and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They tend to lose things quickly and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities, work or home. They might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work, or in play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at work as well as at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your daily life. They will use an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining the job.
In your assessment, a mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive a cognitive test that will assess your executive and working memory functioning and also your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid condition.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD the doctor will explain what medications are available and will discuss treatment options. Often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. adult diagnosis adhd can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It can also address problems that may arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and at home.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are typically less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can cause problems in obtaining or maintaining an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions, academic failures, low self-esteem emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medications. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, such as bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are slower to work than stimulants and could be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching strategies to manage the disorder and improving functioning at work, in school and with relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the individual and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to manage their behavior and to change negative thoughts. This type of treatment can reduce symptoms of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, as well as comorbid mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Therapists can also help people develop strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD when applying for work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or offer online therapy services which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out from their pockets.