Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests like 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 like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be revealing and liberating, but it can also be stressful. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may finally seek professional advice due to frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to diagnose ADHD, and that the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They may occur in multiple settings like home, school and work. And they interfere with the daily activities of people.
Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional may want to do additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This might include clinical interviews as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your issues in various areas of your life. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete 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 suffering from ADHD typically notice that their issues interfere with everyday activities, particularly at work and school. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standardized tools, such as checklists as well as questionnaires and interview questions. They also look at 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.
Inattentional symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through, and a tendency to lose the 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 might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They are unable to wait their turn in school, at work or during play. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it more difficult to determine ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. adhd in adults undiagnosed 'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will look over your symptoms and problems at school, work or home to see how they impact your life. They will use an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
In your assessment A mental health professional could utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also conduct a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and discuss treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It can also address problems that may be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be less severe than those in childhood. However, they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping an employment, difficulties with relationships and social interactions, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, such as bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be a better choice for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of disorders that are comorbid, such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication reported a higher level of improvement than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by helping the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues caused by the impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD in requesting work accommodations that may be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this may mean changing the way their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. The therapist's approach and if they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.