Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be liberating and eye-opening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time might eventually seek out professional help in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because relatives or friends have informed them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a health professional can take an extended time to diagnose ADHD and that the process involves much more than just completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one place, such as school, home and work. And they interfere with daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare provider might recommend additional evaluations before making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's important that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. The professional who is evaluating your mental health you may also ask to speak to your spouse, family members and friends to gain an understanding of your struggles. They might even ask for permission to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors employ standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also check the medical and family history of the patient and consider 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, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty 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 also tend to forget things quickly and frequently have trouble organizing their home, work or daily activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at work, at school or at home to determine how they affect your life. adult diagnosis adhd may use a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also go over your medical history and family history 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 affect your life today. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. In addition, they must interfere with daily activities such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
When you are evaluated the mental health professional may employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct a cognitive test to check your executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and will discuss possible treatment options. It is usually best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that may arise in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are typically more mild than in childhood, however they can still create problems at work and home. The disorder can result in difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as academic failures, low self-esteem emotional stress, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medication used. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and could be better for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be helpful in treating conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these conditions than using medication in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication reported greater improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can get relief from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that often accompany ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients to change their 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 developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to manage emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues that may arise from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist you in living more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD when applying for accommodations for work that are offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically increase job satisfaction and performance. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and if they have dealt with ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy that make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.