Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may eventually seek out professional help, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because family members or friends have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that it can take time for a healthcare professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: Several of them begin before age 12 years old. They can be present in more than one place, such as school, home and at work. They affect daily life.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional may want to do additional tests prior to making a diagnosis. This might include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It is crucial to be completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood was affected by your issues in various areas of your life. The professional who is evaluating your mental health you may also ask to speak with your spouse, family members and friends to get more insight into your issues. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD frequently find that their symptoms interfere with everyday activities, especially at work and in school. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. diagnosis for adhd in adults can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools called checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also analyze 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.
Inattentive symptoms include inattention issues with small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose the track of time or become 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 often have difficulty organizing their work, home or daily activities. They might lose phones, keys or wallets often. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, at work or play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and concerns at work as well as at school or at home to determine how they are interfering with your life. They will use an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review your family and medical background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they affect your life today. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
In your assessment the mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive an assessment of cognitive function that will check your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider decides you have ADHD, he or she will inform you of the medications available and discuss possible treatment options. Most often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that can arise in relationships and marriages due to the issues that ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions as well as self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and increase performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help address issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to manage 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 can also teach coping strategies for impulse control emotional regulation, relationship and issues that can result from the impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their work performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is organized to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is important 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. Examining the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is an excellent idea. Some providers offer an affordable sliding scale fee or provide therapy online that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.