Getting why not look here in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be stressful. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help in the wake of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because family members or friends have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it can take time 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 in the process is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: A number of them are present before age 12 years old. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, school, home and at work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor may want to do additional tests prior to making an assessment. This might include clinical interviews, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological testing to determine your thinking capabilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's important that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean you talk about how your mood has been affected by your struggles in different areas of life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak with your spouse, close family members and close friends to gain an understanding of your issues. They may even ask permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms impact the way they live their lives, particularly at school and at work. They might have trouble maintaining a job, remaining in relationships or making ends meet because of the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools called checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also review the medical and family history of the patient 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.
The symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose the track of time or become distracted are also signs of inattention.
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type often fidget, move around frequently and have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. They are also prone to forgetting things quickly and frequently have difficulty organizing their work, home or daily activities. They may lose phones, keys, papers or wallets frequently. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or playing. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adults, it's more common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it difficult to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in being diagnosed when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and problems at work, at school or at home to determine how much they affect your life. They will use a structured interview and may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. In addition, they must hinder daily activities, such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining an occupation.
During your examination the mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely conduct an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and discuss treatment options. It is generally recommended 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 with problems that may develop in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be more mild than in childhood. However they can create problems at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions, self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional stress, 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 in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants and could be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, at work and with relationships. The aim is to increase the person's self esteem and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their functioning and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medication therapy and counseling can be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can help address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that often are a part of ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control 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 can also help people develop strategies to control impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise due to an impulsive behavior. These methods can help you live an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is crucial to select the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who can't afford it.