Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues in their relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to be given the diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take time for a healthcare professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just interviews or tests.
adhd diagnosed is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: Several of them are present before the age of 12 years old. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, school, home, and work. They also interfere with the daily activities of people.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might want to conduct additional tests before making an official diagnosis. This might include clinical interviews, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your health professional. And this might involve discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. Additionally the mental health professional conducting your assessment may ask you to speak with your spouse or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also request that your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily activities, especially at work and school. They might have trouble finding work, staying in relationships or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also look at the medical and family history 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.
Inattentional symptoms include inattention issues with small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well as a tendency to get distracted or lose the 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 lose things easily and have difficulty organizing their daily activities at work or at home. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adults, it's more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety or depression as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and concerns at school, work or at home to assess how much they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family history 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 eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
When you are evaluated A mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They may also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid condition.
If your mental health provider finds that you have ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help address issues 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 generally less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional stress, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy may 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 your performance at work, school and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self esteem and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adult ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication experienced an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications therapy and counseling can provide significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping family members understand the condition and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to manage their behavior and change 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 concentrate on developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that can arise from impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist you in living a more productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD in applying for work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly increase job satisfaction and performance. This can include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adults with ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee or provide online therapy that make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.