Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis consult their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Our Site can be liberating and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can be also distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, and/or because family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take 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 are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one setting such as home, school and work. And they interfere with everyday functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to evaluate thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your health professional. And that might mean talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life have affected your mood. In addition the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at school and work. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships, or even making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe.
To determine ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also check the family and medical history of the person and take into account 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Inattention can also be associated with difficulty in following and finishing tasks, as well 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 forget things easily and have difficulty organizing their daily activities, work or home. They may lose phones, keys or wallets often. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work, or during play. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step to getting a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and problems at work as well as at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your daily life. They will use an organized interview and may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider the duration of these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They must also interfere with everyday tasks like attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining a career.
In your assessment Your mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your executive and working memory functioning as well as your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider decides you have ADHD the doctor will explain the various medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is often best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help with issues that can arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more mild than in childhood, but they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and possibly antisocial behavior.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs 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 orally 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 beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at work, in school and in relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the individual and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received 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 be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control their behavior and alter 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to manage impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems caused by an impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD in applying for accommodations for work that are offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly enhance job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out from their pockets.