Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they have trouble in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnosis consult their primary care 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 a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be misinterpreted as ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, but it can also be distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might eventually seek out professional help in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their family members or friends have told them that they could 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 involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They occur in a variety of settings, for instance, at home, school, and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations to determine a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's important that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your issues in various areas of your life. Additionally, the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close family members to get a more complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might even request that your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may find that their symptoms affect everyday life, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also take into account 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Inattention is also associated with difficulty in following and finishing 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 tend to lose things easily and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adults, it is more common for those with ADHD to have co-existing conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They'll likely refer you to a mental health professional. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at school, at work or home to see how much they interfere with your life. They may use a structured interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also review your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've had these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and are not caused by other disorders such as depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During your examination, your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like seizures or thyroid condition.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and discuss possible treatment options. Most often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with problems that may be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are usually less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can lead to difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an employment, difficulties with relationships and social interactions and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and could 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 treatment) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adult ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can find relief through counseling and therapy. Individual therapy can address 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 family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to control their behavior and change negative thoughts. why not look here 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 to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues caused by impulsive behavior. These techniques can help people live happier and more productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this may require modifying the way in which their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks on time.
Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and whether they have dealt with ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who are unable to pay for it.