Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD but it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may 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 might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a doctor can take several months to diagnose ADHD and the process requires more than just completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can be found in two or more settings--for example, home, school, and work. And they interfere with everyday 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 want to conduct additional evaluations before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to test thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your health professional. And this could mean discussing how the difficulties you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family and friends members to gain a complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They may even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at school and work. They may struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to their inattention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. 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 signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and seeming easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through and a tendency to lose track of time or get distracted are also signs of inattention.
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 quickly and have difficulty managing their daily routines, work or home. They may lose keys, phones and wallets, or papers frequently. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or playing. They are prone to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it is more common for those with ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adults may refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine how they are interfering with your daily life. They might conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also review the medical and family history of your family and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you have had these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be better explained by another disorder like anxiety or depression. They should also hinder daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
During your examination Your mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning and also your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health professional determines that you suffer from ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can create at work and at home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to problems in obtaining or maintaining the job you want, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional distress, temper tantrums, and disruptive behavior.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common medications. 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 oral disintegrating tablet). The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving the performance at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to increase the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and increase the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication reported greater improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to control their behavior and to change negative thoughts. 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 for impulse control as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise due to impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living more productively especially at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD when applying for accommodations for work that are available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly enhance job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this can be a matter of changing the way their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks on time.
Finding the right therapist crucial to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and if they have dealt with ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who cannot afford it.