Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they have trouble at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being told by friends or family that they might have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: Several of them begin before age 12 years old. They occur in a variety of settings, for instance, at home, school, and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to evaluate thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your health professional. And that might mean discussing how the issues you're having in different areas of your life affect your mood. Additionally, the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a fuller picture of the struggles you've faced. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently experience difficulties with daily life activities, especially at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also review 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, or being easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing 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 work, home or everyday activities. They might lose keys, phones or wallets often. They are unable to wait their turn at school, 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 oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at school, work or at home to determine how they affect your life. They will use a structured interview and may seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've had these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be better explained by another disorder 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.
When you are evaluated A mental health professional may utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive an assessment of cognitive function that will assess your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your psychiatrist finds that you have ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. Most often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could arise in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships and self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional distress, temper tantrums, and disruptive behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow information in the brain. The 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). Adults can also be treated using Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. Highly recommended Resource site work more slowly than stimulants, and could be more suitable for people who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could help in the treatment of disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching techniques to manage the disorder as well as improving the performance at school, at work and with relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to improve their performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to take medication therapy and counseling can offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help with 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 patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how 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 can also teach coping strategies for controlling impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that can arise due to impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most out of treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their methods and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or provide therapy online which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out of pocket.