Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo an examination to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD like thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to be given a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time might decide to seek help from a professional due to frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their relatives or friends have informed them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it may take a while for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can be found in multiple settings, for example, school, home, and work. They affect daily life.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare provider may want to do additional evaluations before making a diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your health professional. And this might involve talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you may also want to talk to your spouse, close family members, and friends to get more insight into your struggles. They might even ask for permission to ask them to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at work and school. They may have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them to remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Inattention can also be associated with difficulty in following and working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get distracted or lose the track of time.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type often fidget, move around frequently and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. diagnosed with adhd tend to lose things easily and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities at work or at home. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or during play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders like disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and problems at school, at work or home to see how they affect your life. They may use a structured interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've experienced these symptoms and what effect they have on your daily life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must affect everyday activities like attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping a job.
In your assessment, a mental health professional may employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of cognitive function that will assess your working memory and executive functioning and also your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the medications available and treatment options. In most cases the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could arise in marriages and relationships because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and work. 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 outbursts and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently 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 as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health problems or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these conditions than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and increase performance and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual therapy can help address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients how to change their negative thinking and control 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 organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques to manage impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These techniques can help people live happier and more productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this may mean changing the way their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. The therapist's approach and whether they have successfully dealt with ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. Examining the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers have a sliding scale fee or provide therapy online, making treatment accessible for those who are unable to pay out of pocket.