Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of 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 a professional opinion, motivated by their frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a doctor can take several months to determine ADHD and the process involves much more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: Several of them occur before age 12. They may occur in more than one setting, such as home, school and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests in order to make a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's crucial to be open with your 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 person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close family and friends members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They might also request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms can affect their everyday life, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists as well as questionnaires and 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.
Inattention symptoms include inattention issues with small details, daydreaming, or being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose the track of time or get distracted are also 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 tend to lose things easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines at work or at home. adult diagnosis adhd might lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or at play. They have a low tolerance for stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood changes.
In adulthood, it's more typical for those with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health professional. They will look over your symptoms and issues at school, at work or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They will use an organized 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 conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take a look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. They must also interfere with everyday tasks like attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
When you are evaluated the mental health professional may employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely conduct an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issue.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. It is often best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It also helps to address issues that can arise in relationships and marriages due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can still cause issues at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
Treatment with 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. The stimulants, which are typically 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 non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and are better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at work, in school and with relationships. The goal is to increase the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medications, therapy and counseling may be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that commonly are a part of ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to overcome 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living a more productive life especially at work.
Counseling can also assist those with ADHD when applying for work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist crucial to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. 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 check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.