Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because friends or family have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that it can take time for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can be found in two or more settings--for example, school, home, and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to establish a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This might include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood was affected by your difficulties in various areas of your life. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a more complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms affect the way they live their lives, particularly at school and at work. They may struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult for them remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also analyze 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.
The symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty following and working on tasks, aswell being prone to getting 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 lose things easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They may lose keys, phones or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, work or playing. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it is more common for those with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The professionals will look at your symptoms and concerns in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
During your examination the mental health specialist may utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists. They may also give you a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD the doctor will explain the various medications available and will discuss the treatment options. Often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and other coworkers. It can also help with problems that may be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically more mild than in childhood. However they can create problems at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulty in getting or keeping jobs, issues with social and interpersonal relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
The medication can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications 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 immediate-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and could be better for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are connected to ADHD. adhd diagnosis for adults could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to increase confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medications Therapy and counseling could offer significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their loved ones to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to change their negative thoughts and 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 concentrate on the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues caused by impulsive behavior. These methods can assist people to live happier and more productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is organized to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to getting the most benefit from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is important to ask about their treatment approach and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who cannot pay for it.