Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking an assessment consult with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed background and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo an examination to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take an extended time to diagnose ADHD and the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: A number of them occur before the age of 12 years old. They can be present in more than one setting like school, home and work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might want to conduct additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist, rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean you talk about how your mood has been affected by your issues in various aspects of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak to your spouse, close family members and close friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They might even request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, particularly at school and work. They may have trouble keeping their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them to remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD, doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also review the family and medical history of the person 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattention is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well being prone to getting lost in the flow or lose 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 also tend to forget things quickly and frequently struggle to organize their work, home or daily activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and may make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care physician. diagnosis of adhd 'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine if they affect your daily life. They will use a structured interview and might seek the assistance of family members or other 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 consider the duration of these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must interfere with daily activities such as getting to class, completing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
During your evaluation the mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also conduct an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain the various medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can still cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional stress, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medication used. 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 non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and could be beneficial for those who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) may be useful for treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these disorders than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving the performance at school, work and with relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their functioning 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 psychotherapy and medication experienced an improvement in their condition more than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medication Therapy and counseling could provide significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and develop 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 the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live more productively especially at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is important to ask about their approach and whether they have experience treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee, or offer online therapy services that make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.