Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed background and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
diagnosing adhd can be liberating and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take an extended time to diagnose 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 are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place like school, home and at work. They affect daily life.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your mental health professional, and this might involve discussing how the difficulties you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. Additionally, the mental health professional conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse or close family members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might also ask for permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They may struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also take into account medical and family histories and 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, and a tendency to lose the track of time or become distracted are also signs of inattention.
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 have difficulty managing their daily routines at work or at home. They may lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn at school, at work or when playing. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it's more common for people with ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety or depression and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. 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 receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at work as well as at school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. They must also interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
During your evaluation, your mental health professional might utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your working memory and executive functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are typically more mild than in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping a job, trouble with social relationships and relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and may be more suitable for people who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to increase the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications Therapy and counseling could be a great source of relief. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control their behavior and to 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 help people develop strategies to control impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may result from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live an easier life particularly at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD in applying for accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
It is crucial to select the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. 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 provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who are unable to afford it.