Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may eventually seek out professional help, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because their friends or family have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take an extended time to determine ADHD and the process requires more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can occur in multiple settings such as home, school and work. They also interfere with the daily activities of people.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to determine a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, 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 is crucial to be completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood was affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They may even ask permission to have them complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms affect everyday life, particularly at school and at work. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships, or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also check medical and family history and consider other mental health problems. 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 trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well as a tendency to get 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 forget things easily and have trouble organizing their day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work, or in play. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
In adults, it's more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They will likely recommend you to a mental health professional. They will look over your symptoms and problems at work, school or home to see how they impact your life. They will conduct an organized interview and may seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family background and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've had these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must hinder daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
In your assessment A mental health professional could employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your working memory and executive functioning as well as your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will inform you of the medications available and will discuss the treatment options. In most cases the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping a good job, problems with relationships and social interaction, academic failures, low self-esteem, emotional distress, temper tantrums, and antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. Iam Psychiatry work slower than stimulants and are more suitable for people who can't take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self esteem and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their efficiency and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that commonly accompany ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their loved ones to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients to overcome 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 provide strategies for impulse control emotional regulation, relationship and issues that result from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. The therapist's approach and if they have treated ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who can't afford it.