Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might eventually seek out professional help in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a healthcare professional may take a long time to diagnose ADHD, and that the process involves much more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one setting such as home, school and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Since diagnosed with adhd of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare provider may want to do additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your mental health professional, and that might mean talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak to your spouse, close family members, and friends to gain an understanding of your issues. They might even ask for permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and work. They may struggle to keep a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult to remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use common tools like 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 signs of an inattentive personality include trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, 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 tend to forget things easily and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities at work or at home. They may lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers 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 swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They'll likely recommend you to a mental health professional. They will look over your symptoms and problems at school, at work or home to see how they impact your life. They will conduct a structured interview and may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the duration of these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least six months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
In your assessment A mental health professional could utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also give you a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning and spatial and visual abilities. They may also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will explain the various medications available and discuss the treatment options. adhd diagnosing of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with issues that could develop in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more mild than in childhood, however they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulty in getting or keeping a job, trouble with social and interpersonal relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help with the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants and could be a better choice for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than using medication alone. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improving the performance at work, in school and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can find relief through counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly occur with ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to change their negative thinking 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 developing time-management and organizational skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues caused by an impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live happier and more productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks on time.
Choosing the right therapist is crucial to get the most out of treatment for adults with ADHD. The therapist's approach and whether they have successfully been able to treat ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer an affordable sliding scale fee or provide therapy online which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out from their pockets.