Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis consult their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and enlightening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being told by friends or family that they might have ADHD. It's important to note that it can take time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They occur in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school, and work. They can also affect everyday functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This might include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And this might involve talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. In addition, the mental health professional doing your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might even ask for permission to ask them to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and work. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships or being able to make ends meet due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also look into medical and family history 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be associated with difficulty in following and completing tasks, as well as a tendency to get distracted 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 tend to forget things quickly and have difficulty managing their daily routines at work or at home. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed, and experience frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and issues at work as well as at school or at home to determine if they affect your daily life. They will conduct an organized interview and may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they have on your daily life. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. In addition, they must interfere with daily activities, such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining the job.
During your evaluation Your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test which will test your executive and working memory functioning and also your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available medications and treatment options. It is often best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that may arise in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more mild than in childhood, however they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and may be a better choice for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be beneficial in treating conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these conditions, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at work, school and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and increase functioning and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adult ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to control their behavior and alter 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 may also focus on developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These methods can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can help those with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to getting the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. The therapist's approach and whether they have treated ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. adhd diagnosis adult is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who cannot afford it.