Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They could also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, however it can also be stressful. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been told by friends or family that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD and that the process is more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: A number of them begin prior to the age of 12 years old. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, home, school, and work. And they interfere with the daily activities of people.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological testing to evaluate your thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be open with your mental health professional, and this might involve discussing how the issues that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also check the family and medical history of the person 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. adhd in adults diagnosis is also associated with difficulty in following and working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get distracted or lose 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 forget things quickly and frequently struggle to organize their home, work or everyday activities. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or at play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like disorder of the opposition depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and can make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and concerns at work, school or at home to determine how they affect your life. They will use an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should affect daily activities such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining a job.
In your assessment the mental health specialist may utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given a cognitive test which will test your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available medications and treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulty in getting or keeping a job, trouble with social and interpersonal relationships academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and possibly antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medications. 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 can also be treated using Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these disorders according to research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problems with behavior, and improve functioning and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medication Therapy and counseling could offer significant relief. Individual therapy can help with issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that often accompany ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to change their negative thoughts 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 can also help people develop strategies for controlling impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that arise due to impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is crucial to select the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their methods and if they have experience 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 treatment more accessible to those who can't afford it.