Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests such as 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
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to be given the diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek a professional opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family or friends that they may have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms match the requirements for the disorder: Several of them occur prior to the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place, such as home, school and work. They also interfere with the daily activities of people.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical or mental illnesses. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your health professional. And this might involve discussing how the issues that you're facing in various aspects of your life have affected your mood. In addition, the mental health professional 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 may even request permission to have family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms impact daily life, especially at school and work. They may struggle to keep their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them to remember things, plan tasks, or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. They can 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 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 being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency to 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 home, work or routine activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or in play. They are easily frustrated or stressed and suffer from frequent mood shifts.
In adults, it is more common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at school, at work or home to see how they affect your life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. adhd diagnosis adult will also review your medical and family background and conduct a physical exam.
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 have been present for at least six months and are not explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. In addition, they must hinder everyday activities like getting to class, finishing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
During your examination, your mental health specialist may utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also perform an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms such as seizures or thyroid problem.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and will discuss treatment options. In most cases, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It also helps to address issues that may be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can create at home and work.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more mild than in childhood, however they can still cause problems at work and home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with social interactions and relationships, 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 the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly 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 non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these disorders than just using medications in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problems with behavior, and improve the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that typically accompany ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to manage their behavior and 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 help people develop strategies for controlling impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise as a result of an impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD in requesting accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically increase job satisfaction and performance. For professionals, this may be a matter of changing the way their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and if they have treated ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out of pocket.