Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it can be also distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may finally seek professional advice, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their friends or family have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take an extended time to determine 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 are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They occur in a variety of settings, for example, home, school, and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests to establish a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This may include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to test thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your mental health professional, and this could mean talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life have affected your mood. In addition, the mental health professional conducting your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They may even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often find that their symptoms interfere with everyday activities, especially at work and school. They might have difficulties keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe.
To determine ADHD, adhd diagnosis adult use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also review 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be associated with difficulty in following and finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get 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 forget things quickly and often have trouble organizing their home, work or daily activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or during play. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step to receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health specialist. The professionals will look at your symptoms and problems at work, at school or at home to determine how much they affect your daily life. They might conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also review the medical and family history of your family, and perform a physical examination.
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. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During your examination Your mental health professional might use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also likely perform an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. In most cases, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that may develop in marriages and relationships because of the difficulties that ADHD can create at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can create problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulty in getting or keeping jobs, issues with relationships and social interactions academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed medication used. 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies to manage the disorder and improving the performance at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications therapy and counseling can provide significant relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily 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 can also provide strategies for controlling impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that result from impulsive behavior. These methods can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in requesting work accommodations that may be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
It is crucial to select the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some therapists have an affordable sliding scale fee or provide online therapy that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.