Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and eye-opening to be given the diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time might decide to seek help from a professional due to frustrations at work, in relationships, or because family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a doctor can take a long time to diagnose ADHD and the process involves much more than just completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can occur in multiple settings such as school, home and at work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be open with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the difficulties you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition, the mental health professional conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close friends and family members to get a more complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask for permission to ask them to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might notice that their symptoms impact the way they live their lives, particularly at school and work. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also analyze the medical and family history as well as 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency lose the track of time or become distracted are also signs of inattention.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type often fidget, move around frequently and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They tend to forget things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities at work or at home. They might lose keys, phones or wallets often. They are unable to wait their turn at the classroom, at work or in play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. adhd diagnosis in adults -occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult, and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. The professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at work, school or home to see how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review your family and medical background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they have on your life now. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They should also hinder daily tasks such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
During your examination Your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. It is often best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and other coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could arise in marriages and relationships because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be less severe than those in childhood. However they can create problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional distress, temper tantrums, and antisocial behavior.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, which control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve performance at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to take medication therapy and counseling can provide significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically are a part of ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control their behavior and 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to manage impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist people to live an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD in requesting work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is organized to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
It is essential to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers have an affordable sliding scale fee or provide online therapy which make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.