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 recommends those seeking a diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. adhd diagnosis adult might also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems.
Making a diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, but it can also be distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a health professional can take a long time to diagnose ADHD and that the process is more than just completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They occur in a variety of settings, for example, school, home, and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might recommend additional evaluations before making an official diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It is essential to be honest with your health professional. And that might mean talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically experience difficulties with everyday activities, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also analyze 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 symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty working on tasks, aswell being prone to getting lost in the flow 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 lose things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities at work or at home. They might lose phones, keys or wallets often. They have difficulty waiting their turn at the classroom, at work or when playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health specialist. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at school, at work or home to see how they affect your life. They will conduct a structured interview and may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family history of your family, and will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider how long you have had these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
When you are evaluated A mental health professional could use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of cognitive function which will test your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and discuss possible treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help address issues that may arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and at home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can still cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulty in obtaining or maintaining a job, trouble with social and interpersonal relationships academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and possibly antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. 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). The non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are slower to work than stimulants and could be a better choice for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve your performance at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual 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 method for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication experienced a higher level of improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to take medication Therapy and counseling could offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to change their negative thoughts and 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 to control impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that may arise as a result of impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist those with ADHD when 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 allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is essential to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.