Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are having issues in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or a 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 may be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
read here can be liberating and enlightening to receive an 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, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships or due to being told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It's important to remember that it can take time for a healthcare professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: A number of them are present before the age of 12. They can be found in two or more settings--for example, home, school, and work. They can also affect everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional evaluations before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to evaluate thinking capabilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's important that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean you talk about how your mood has been affected by your issues in various aspects of your life. In addition the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to speak with your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask for permission to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at school and work. They may struggle to keep their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to pay the bills because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also review medical and family history and consider 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.
Inattentional symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, and being easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty following and finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get distracted 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 easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines at work or at home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They have a low tolerance to stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary healthcare provider. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at work, at school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms and the effect they affect your life today. In order to be granted an diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained by a different disorder such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must hinder daily activities, such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or keeping the job.
When you are evaluated, a mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid condition.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD they will go over the available treatments and medications options. In most cases it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also address problems that may be a problem in marriages and relationships because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be milder than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions, self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
Medication can help with the condition by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. 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 non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, such as 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 severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving the performance at school, work and with relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their functioning and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medications, therapy and counseling may be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that typically are a part of ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and their loved ones to comprehend the condition and develop ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to change their 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 can also provide strategies to control impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to an impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this can mean changing the way their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks on time.
It is crucial to select the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who are unable to afford it.