Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family members or friends that they may have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a healthcare professional may take several months to diagnose ADHD and the process requires more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match 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 school, home and at work. They affect daily life.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It is essential to be honest with your mental health professional, and this might involve talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close family members to gain a complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might also ask for permission to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your own.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms can affect their daily life, especially at school and at work. They may have difficulty keeping their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to pay the bills because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors employ the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also look at 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. Inattention is also associated with difficulty in following and 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 quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities, work or home. They may lose phones, keys, papers or wallets frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in school, at work or in play. They have a low tolerance for stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it's more common for those with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step to receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a mental health specialist. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at school, at work or at home to assess how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized 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 consider the duration of these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. They must also interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
When you are evaluated, a mental health professional might also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also perform a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. Most often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more mild than in childhood, but they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an employment, difficulties with relationships and social interactions and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors.
The medications can help treat the condition by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed medication used. Examples include Jornay (methylphenidate extended-release tablets), Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine extended-release oral suspension), Cotempla (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release orally disintegrating tablet) and Adhansia (methylphenidate hydrochloride immediate-release oral disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like depression and anxiety. adult adhd diagnosis uk suggests that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these disorders than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, at work and with relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and increase functioning and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the 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 may also focus on developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These methods can assist people to live happier and more productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in applying for work accommodations that may be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing 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 crucial to inquire about their methods and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who are unable to afford it.