Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing them difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might finally seek professional advice in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because family members or friends have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it takes time for a healthcare professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: Several of them begin prior to the age of 12 years old. They can occur in more than one place such as school, home and work. And they interfere with everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might want to conduct additional evaluations before making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, and psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the difficulties that you're facing in various aspects of your life have affected your mood. In addition, the mental health professional conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family and friends members to get a fuller picture of the struggles you've faced. They may even request permission to have family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and at work. They may have difficulty maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also check the family and medical history of the person 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 difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, waking up and being easily distracted. Inattention is also associated with difficulty in following and finishing tasks, as well being prone to getting sidetracked 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 forget things quickly and frequently have trouble organizing their home, work or everyday activities. They might lose keys, phones or wallets often. They have difficulty waiting their turn in the classroom, at work or in play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
In adults, it's more common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions, such as conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and substance abuse problems. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it more difficult to determine ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The professionals will look at your symptoms and issues in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine how much they affect your daily life. They can conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they affect your life today. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. They should also hinder daily tasks, such as attending school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
During your evaluation, your mental health professional may also use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also likely give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, and visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, he or she will inform you of the medications available and will discuss possible treatment options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are generally more mild than in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping a job, trouble with relationships and social interactions, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
The medication can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information through the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using the non-stimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be better suited to those who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating conditions that can be comorbid like depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these conditions than using medication on their own. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the individual and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their functioning and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to overcome negative thoughts and how to manage their behavior. adhd diagnosis in adults 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 result from impulsive behavior. These methods can help you live a more productive life especially at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD in requesting workplace accommodations that could be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly increase job satisfaction and performance. For professionals, this can be a matter of changing the way their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to get the most out of treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who are unable to afford it.