Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking an assessment consult with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may eventually seek out professional help, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because relatives or friends have informed them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just clinical interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: Many of them occur prior to the age of 12 years old. They can be found in multiple settings, for instance, at home, school, and work. They affect daily life.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations to establish a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood has been affected by your struggles in various aspects of your life. In addition the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD often notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They may have difficulty maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or making ends meet because of the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions or remember details, plan tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also analyze 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 difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose the track of time or become side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
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 often have trouble organizing their work, home or routine activities. They may lose keys, phones and wallets, or papers frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or at play. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step to receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. They will assess your symptoms and issues at work at school, at home or at home to determine if they affect your life. They will use an organized interview, and they may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've had these symptoms, and the impact they affect your life today. To be how to diagnose adhd to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
In your assessment, your mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will likely also conduct a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will explain what medications are available and will discuss possible treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. diagnosis for adhd helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also address problems that may arise in relationships and marriages due to the issues that ADHD can create at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically less severe than those in childhood. However, they can still cause issues at work and at home. The disorder can cause problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships as well as academic failures, low self-esteem emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, such as bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and may be more appropriate for those who can't take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these conditions than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and improve their performance and overall performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems caused by impulsive behavior. These methods can help people live happier and more productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD in requesting accommodations for work that are available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could be a matter of changing the way their work is structured to allow 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 benefit from treatment for adults with ADHD. The therapist's approach and whether they have successfully treated ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who cannot pay for it.