Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they have trouble in relationships or at work due to ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take time for a medical professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They may occur in multiple settings like home, school and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical or mental illnesses. This could include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is essential that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean you talk about how your mood was affected by your struggles in different areas of life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak with your spouse, family members and close friends to gain a better understanding of your issues. They might also request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may find that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at work and school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ standard tools such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also look at the family and medical histories of patients 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 to details, daydreaming and seeming easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty following and finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get sidetracked 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 easily and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities, work or home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults with 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. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They'll likely refer you to a mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also review the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must interfere with daily activities, such as getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
In your assessment the mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider finds that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available treatments and medications options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with issues that could be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can create.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are generally less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships, academic failures, low self-esteem emotional stress, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). 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 may be a better choice for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) may be useful for treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders, according to research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at work, in school and in relationships. adhd in adults diagnosis is to increase the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual talk 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 patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to overcome negative thoughts and how to 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 help people develop strategies to control impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may result from impulsive behavior. These methods can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work 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 on time.
Choosing the right therapist is crucial to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who are unable to pay for it.