Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may finally seek professional advice in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because relatives or friends have informed them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a doctor can take an extended time to determine ADHD and that the process involves much more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, home, school and at work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical or mental illnesses. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is crucial to be completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood has been affected by your struggles in various aspects of your life. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might also ask for permission to ask them to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships or being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also look into the medical and family history of the patient 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.
Inattentive symptoms include inattention issues with small details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task, and a tendency to lose track of time or get side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
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 frequently have difficulty organizing their work, home or everyday activities. They may lose phones, keys, papers or wallets frequently. They are unable to wait their turn in school, at work, or when playing. They have a low tolerance for stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary healthcare provider. They may 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 how much they are interfering with your life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also review your medical history and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've had these symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. In adhd in adults diagnosis , they must affect daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
During your evaluation, a mental health professional may employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely conduct an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning, and visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like seizures or thyroid problem.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. Often, a combination of medication 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 arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically more mild than in childhood, but they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with relationships and social interaction and self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional stress, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
The medication can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly 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 immediate-release orally disintegrating tablet). The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be better for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these conditions than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported greater improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medications, therapy and counseling may be a great source of relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to change their 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist you in living more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD in applying for accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Selecting the right therapist is crucial to get the most out of treatment for adult ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some therapists have an affordable sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services which make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.