Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis consult their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo an examination to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given a diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may finally seek professional advice in the wake of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because relatives or friends have informed them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it may take a while for a healthcare 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 whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, school, home and at work. And they interfere with the daily activities of people.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It is essential that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. why not look here could mean that you discuss the ways in which your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various areas of your life. In addition, the mental health professional doing your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse or close family and friends members to get a more complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even ask for permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To determine ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as interview questions. 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.
Inattention symptoms include inattention issues with small details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty finishing 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 daily activities, work or home. They might lose phones, keys or wallets often. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, work or at play. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
In adults, it is more common for those with ADHD to have co-existing conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety or depression and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it harder to determine ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and concerns at work at school, at home or at home to determine how they are interfering with your life. They will conduct an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review your family and medical history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've had these symptoms and the effect they have on your life now. 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. In addition, they must affect daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or keeping the job.
In your assessment, a mental health professional could utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your working memory and executive functioning and also your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as seizures or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the medications available and treatment options. It is often best to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are generally less severe than they were in childhood, but they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping an employment, difficulties with relationships and social interactions 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 the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow 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. Adults can also be treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD like depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for these disorders than using medication alone. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improving functioning at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to increase the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to take medication Therapy and counseling could provide significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that commonly accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to manage their behavior and 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 may also focus on developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to deal with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that can arise from impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live a more productive and satisfying life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is crucial to select the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and if they have treated ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who are unable to pay for it.