Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be eye-opening and empowering, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can be present in multiple settings such as home, school and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor may want to do additional tests before making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the issues 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 family and friends members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They might even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically experience difficulties with daily activities, 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 which make it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also look into the medical and family history of the patient and consider other mental health problems. 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.
Inattentional symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through and a tendency to lose the track of time or become side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
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 often have trouble organizing their home, work or daily activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They are unable to wait their turn in 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 like disorder of the opposition depression, anxiety as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in getting a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. The professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at work, school or at home to assess how they impact your life. They will conduct a structured interview and may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. get diagnosed with adhd will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've experienced these symptoms and the effect they have on your life now. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
In adult diagnosis of adhd , your mental health professional might use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also give you a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. In most cases it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with issues that can develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically more mild than in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can cause difficulty in obtaining or maintaining jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and possibly antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They 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 just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and may be better for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to increase the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problems with behavior, and improve the effectiveness and performance. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't 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 and frequent job changes that often are a part of ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to control 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies to manage impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These methods can help you live more productively, particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who cannot afford it.