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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to 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 arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder: A number of them begin prior to the age of 12 years old. They occur in two or more settings--for example, school, home and at work. They can also affect daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare provider might want to conduct additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your mental health professional, and this might involve talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, family members and close friends to get a better understanding of your challenges. They might even ask for permission to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically experience difficulties with daily activities, especially at work and in school. They may have trouble keeping their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult for them to remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD, doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also analyze the medical and family history as well as 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 difficulty paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get lost in the flow 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 lose things easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines at work or at home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in school, at work or when playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist. The professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at work, school or home to see how much they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and may ask for the help of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they have on your life now. In order to be granted a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
During your examination Your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given a cognitive test which will test your working memory and executive functioning and also your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, he or she will explain the various medications available and discuss possible treatment options. It is often best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with issues that can develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulty in getting or keeping jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and even antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and could be better for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and increase functioning and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. 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
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. adhd diagnostic can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to manage their behavior and to 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 provide strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise due to an impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid people in living happier and more productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in applying for work accommodations that may be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically increase job satisfaction and performance. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea 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 can't afford it.
