Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnoses speak with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be eye-opening and empowering, but it can also be distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help due to frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a doctor can take a long time to determine ADHD and that the process involves much 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. A number of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one setting like home, school and work. They can also affect everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might want to conduct additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, family members and friends to gain more insight into your issues. They might even ask for permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with everyday activities, especially at school and work. They may have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also look into 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through, and a tendency to lose track of time or get distracted are all 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 also tend to forget things quickly and frequently have difficulty organizing their work, home or routine activities. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in school, at work or during play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and suffer from frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and problems in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine how they are interfering with your daily life. adult diagnosis of adhd will use an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family history of your family and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms and the effect they have on your life now. In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be explained better by another disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should hinder everyday activities like attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
During your evaluation the mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test which will test your working memory and executive functioning as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like a seizure disorder or thyroid condition.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain the various medications available and discuss possible treatment options. In most cases it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that may develop in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically less severe than they were in childhood, but they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulty in obtaining or maintaining a job, trouble with social relationships and relationships academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and possibly antisocial behavior.
Medication can help with the condition by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of information through the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Examples include Jornay (methylphenidate extended-release tablets), Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine extended-release oral suspension), Cotempla (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release orally disintegrating tablet) and Adhansia (methylphenidate hydrochloride immediate-release oral disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to improve their performance and overall performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported an improvement in their condition more than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping family members understand the condition and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients how to overcome negative thoughts and manage their behavior. 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 concentrate on developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that can arise from impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid you in living a more productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD in applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Examining the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is an excellent idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.