Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking an assessment consult with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They may also get a physical exam to rule out medical issues that could look like ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because their family members or friends have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. adult diagnosis of adhd to note that it takes time for a medical professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one setting like school, home and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider may want to do additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's important that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your struggles in various aspects of your life. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family members to get a more complete picture of how you've struggled. They may even request that your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, especially at school and work. They may have difficulty maintaining a job, remaining in relationships or getting by due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also check the medical and family history of the patient 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose the track of time or get distracted are all 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 home, work or everyday activities. They might lose phones, keys or wallets often. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They have a low tolerance to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and issues in the workplace, at school or at home to determine if they affect your daily life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also review the medical and family history of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take a look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, and the impact they affect your life today. In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be explained better by another disorder like anxiety or depression. They should also hinder everyday tasks like getting to school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
In your assessment the mental health professional might employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also give you a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They may also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as seizures or thyroid condition.
If your psychiatrist decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and will discuss the treatment options. In most cases, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with issues that could be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However, they can still create problems both at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with relationships and social interaction, academic failures, low self-esteem emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medications can help treat the condition by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self esteem, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication reported greater improvement than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that often accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their loved ones to comprehend the condition and develop ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control 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 can also teach coping strategies for controlling impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that can arise due to an impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid people in living happier and more productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is important to ask about their approach and whether they have experience treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who are unable to afford it.