Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling in relationships or at work due to ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues that could be similar to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may decide to seek help from a professional in the wake of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because family members or friends have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it may take a while for a health 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 criteria for the disorder: A number of them are present prior to the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place such as school, home and at work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might recommend additional evaluations before making a diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as 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 could mean discussing how the difficulties you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to get a more complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at work and school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also look at medical and family histories and 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Inattention is also associated with difficulty in following and completing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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 managing their daily routines at work or at home. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult might lose keys, phones, papers or wallets frequently. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, work or play. They are prone to stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as disorder of the opposition anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it more difficult to identify 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 an expert in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and problems at work at school, at home or at home to determine how they affect your daily life. They will use an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family background of your family, and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they affect your life today. To be eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder such as depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During your evaluation Your mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They may also perform a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the available medications and treatment options. Often 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 help with problems that may be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can create problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional distress, temper tantrums, and antisocial behavior.
The medication can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using the non-stimulant atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problems with behavior, and improve functioning and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help with issues like low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and their families to understand the condition and develop ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to overcome negative thoughts and control 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that can arise from impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live happier and more productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could mean changing the way their work is organized to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most out of treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee, or provide therapy online which make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.