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 talk with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed background and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Making a 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 struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take 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 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 place such as home, school and work. And they interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to conduct additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical conditions or illnesses. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your mental health professional, and this could mean discussing how the difficulties that you're facing in various aspects of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you might also request to speak to your spouse, close family members, and friends to gain a better understanding of your challenges. They might also ask for permission to ask them to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may find that their symptoms impact daily life, especially at school and work. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as 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 symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty finishing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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. They tend to forget things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities either at work or at home. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance for stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and concerns at work, school or at home to determine how they impact your life. They will use an organized interview, and they may ask for the help 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 take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
When you are evaluated A mental health professional could use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive an assessment of cognitive function that will check your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial capabilities. They may also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health professional determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. Often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with problems that may arise in marriages and relationships because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically more mild than in childhood. However, they can still create problems at work and at home. The disorder can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining the job you want, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
Medication can help with the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that 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 just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, such as bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is the most efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as improve their performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication experienced a higher level of improvement than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their loved ones to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living a more productive life especially at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD in applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically enhance job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most out of treatment for adults with ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have successfully been able to treat ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. adult adhd diagnoses is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who cannot afford it.