Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling in their relationships or at work due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as perform tests like symptom rating scales and 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.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might eventually seek out professional help, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a healthcare professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: A number of them begin before age 12 years old. They occur in two or more settings--for example, school, home, and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical or mental illnesses. This might include clinical interviews, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's crucial to be open with your mental health professional, and this could mean discussing how the difficulties you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, family members and friends to get a better understanding of your challenges. They might even request that your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily activities, especially at work and school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also check medical and family history 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also associated with difficulty in following and finishing tasks, as well being prone to getting lost in the flow 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 easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or in play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. adhd diagnosed -occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and concerns in the workplace, at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your life. They can conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also review your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the duration of these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. In addition, they must hinder daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining a job.
When you are evaluated the mental health professional could employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of cognitive function that will assess your executive and working memory functioning as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health professional determines that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. It is often best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that can develop in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can create problems at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships, self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated with Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants and may be more suitable for people who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as improve their performance and performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adults ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can find relief through counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to change their negative thoughts and control their behavior. 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 for controlling impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise due to the impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist you in living more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
It is crucial to select the right 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 important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who are unable to afford it.