Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo an examination to rule out medical issues that could be similar to ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help due to frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because relatives or friends have informed them they may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it may take a while for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder: Several of them begin before the age of 12 years old. They are seen in multiple settings, for instance, at home, school and at work. They affect daily life.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional evaluations before making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It is essential to be honest with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the issues you're having in different areas of your life have affected your mood. The professional who is evaluating your mental health you might also request to speak with your spouse, family members and close friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They may even ask permission to have your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, especially at work and school. They may struggle to keep a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to their inattention and impulsivity, making it difficult to remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools such as checklists as well as questionnaires and interview questions. adhd diagnosis adults 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 trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, and a tendency to lose the track of time or become 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 trouble organizing their work, home or everyday activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it is more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and issues at work as well as at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family history of your family and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at the duration of these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life. To be eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
During your evaluation A mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also perform a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They may also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health professional finds that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. Most often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause issues at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions, academic failures, low self-esteem emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medications can help treat the condition by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these conditions than relying on medications alone. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to increase confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and increase performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD patients include 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 simply took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. adult adhd diagnosis can address issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to change their negative thinking and control 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 arise due to an impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living a more 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 greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this may require modifying the way in which their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
It is important to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. The therapist's approach and if they have treated ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or provide therapy online that make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out of pocket.