Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that may be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be stressful. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD and the process is more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms match the requirements for the disorder: A number of them occur before the age of 12 years old. They occur in a variety of settings, for instance, at home, school, and work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations to determine a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other physical or mental illnesses. This may include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the difficulties you're experiencing in various areas of your life have affected your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, family members and close friends to get an understanding of your struggles. They may even ask permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
adhd diagnosis in adult and symptoms
Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with daily activities, especially at school and work. They may have trouble keeping their jobs 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, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also take into account the family and medical histories of patients as well as 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be characterized by difficulty following and completing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and often have difficulty organizing their work, home or everyday activities. They may lose phones, keys or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed and suffer from frequent mood shifts.
In adulthood, it's more typical for those with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and substance abuse problems. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at work as well as at school or at home to determine how much they affect your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping a job.
During your evaluation, your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will also likely give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like seizures or thyroid problem.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will explain what medications are available and will discuss possible treatment options. In most cases it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also address problems that can arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically much milder than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can cause difficulty in getting or keeping an employment, difficulties with social relationships and relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications 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 as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants and may 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, could be helpful in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve functioning at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to increase the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and increase functioning and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that often occur with ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and loved ones understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to overcome 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 impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to impulsive behavior. These methods can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is essential to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee or provide online therapy which make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.