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 people seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may finally seek professional advice due to frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because relatives or friends have informed them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a health professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: A number of them begin before age 12. They can be found in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school, and work. They can also affect everyday functioning.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests to determine a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your mental health professional, and that might mean talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, family members and friends to get more insight into your challenges. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their everyday life, particularly at school and work. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions or remember details, plan tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also look into medical and family history and take into account 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose the track of time or become distracted are also 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 tend to forget things easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They may lose keys, phones and wallets, or papers frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or at play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and may make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at work, at school or at home to determine how they interfere with your daily life. They will use an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've had these symptoms and the effect they affect your life today. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
During your evaluation the mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also perform a cognitive test to check your executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. diagnosis of adhd will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and discuss treatment options. Often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be milder than in childhood. However they can still create problems both at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social relationships and interactions, self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
The medications can help treat the condition by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, which control the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common medications. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be more suitable for people who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be helpful in treating conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at work, in school and with relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problems with behavior, and improve functioning and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed an improvement in their condition more than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual therapy can help address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to overcome negative thoughts and manage 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 teach coping strategies to control impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to an 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 job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this may mean changing the way their work is organized to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is essential to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Checking diagnosis of adhd of therapists as well as insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or provide online therapy which make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.