Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They may also get physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
Making a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their relatives or friends have informed them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD and the process is more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place like school, home and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This might include clinical interviews as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, and psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It is essential that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood has been affected by your issues in various areas of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to talk to your spouse, close family members and friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They might also request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically experience difficulties with daily activities, especially at work and school. They may struggle to keep their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also check the family and medical history of the person 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be characterized by difficulty following and finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get distracted or lose the 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 trouble managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or during play. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood shifts.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and can make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step to being diagnosed when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will review your symptoms and concerns at work, school or home to see how they affect your life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life now. To be eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining the job.
During your examination the mental health professional might use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They may also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issue.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and discuss possible treatment options. It is often best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It also helps to address issues that can arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and at home.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with relationships and social interaction as well as 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, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. adult adhd diagnosis , commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common 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 oral disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated using the non-stimulant atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants, and could be more suitable for people who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than just using medications alone. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improving performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported a higher level of improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to take medication Therapy and counseling could be a great source of relief. 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 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 manage their behavior and 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 developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms to deal with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from the impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live an enjoyable and productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is organized so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to getting the most out of treatment for adult ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and whether they have successfully treated ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who are unable to afford it.