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 recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed background and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
It can be empowering and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek a professional opinion, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place, such as home, school and work. They affect daily life.
Your healthcare provider may need to conduct additional tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It is crucial to be 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your struggles in various aspects of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, close family members, and friends to get a better understanding of your struggles. They may even request that your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically experience difficulties with everyday activities, particularly at school and work. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them remember things, organize tasks, or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also look into 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, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty following and finishing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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 quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities at work or at home. They may lose keys, phones, papers or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work, or in play. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
In adults, it's more common for those with ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine if they interfere with your daily life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the duration of these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. In addition, they must affect daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining an occupation.
When why not look here are evaluated the mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, he or she will inform you of the medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is often best to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that can arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally less severe than those in childhood. However they can cause issues both at work and at home. The disorder can result in difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem, emotional distress, temper tantrums, and disruptive behavior.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently 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 oral disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs work slower than stimulants and could be better for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than using medication on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and increase the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication experienced an improvement in their condition more than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to take medication, therapy and counseling may be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that can arise from the impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living more productively, particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist those with ADHD when applying for accommodations for work that are available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is crucial to select the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their approach and whether they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who can't afford it.