Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships or due to being informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a health professional can take a long time to diagnose ADHD and that the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one setting, such as school, home and work. They can also affect daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider may want to do additional tests prior to making an assessment. adult adhd diagnoses may include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to evaluate thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
adhd undiagnosed in adults to be completely honest with your mental health professional, and this could mean talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life affect your mood. Additionally the mental health professional doing your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often notice that their issues interfere with everyday activities, particularly at work and school. They may struggle to keep a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult for them remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also analyze 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through and a tendency to lose track of time or get 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 also tend to forget things quickly and frequently have trouble organizing their work, home or everyday activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
In adults, it is more common for those with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at work, at school or at home to determine how much they affect your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've experienced these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. In order to be granted a diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be better explained by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. They must also interfere with daily tasks such as attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining a career.
In your assessment, a mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD, he or she will explain the various medications available and discuss the treatment options. In most cases the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can arise in marriages and relationships because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically milder than in childhood. However they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Medication can help with the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. 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 medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. adults diagnosed with adhd is primarily focused on teaching techniques for managing the disorder and improving functioning at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to improve their performance and overall performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medication Therapy and counseling could provide significant relief. 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 helping the patients and their families to understand the condition and develop strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients to change their negative thinking and how to manage 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 may also focus on developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues caused by an impulsive behavior. These methods can help you live an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in applying for workplace accommodations that could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly enhance job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could be a matter of changing the way their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is important to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or offer online therapy services, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.