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 people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and take tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek a professional opinion, due to frustrations at work or in relationships, or because they've been told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It is important to remember that a doctor can take a long time to determine ADHD and that the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. diagnosis for adhd in adults can be found in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school and at work. And they interfere with everyday functioning.
Your healthcare professional may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical or mental illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to evaluate thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be open with your health professional. And this could mean discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life have affected your mood. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might even ask for permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms affect the way they live their lives, particularly at school and work. They might have trouble finding work, staying in relationships, or even getting by due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. how to get diagnosed with adhd may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also take into account 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 symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also associated with difficulty in following and completing tasks, as well as a tendency to get sidetracked 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 their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and suffer from frequent mood shifts.
In adulthood, it's more typical for those with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They will likely recommend you to a mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and concerns at work at school, at home or at home to determine how they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and may seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've experienced these symptoms and what effect they have on your daily life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. They must also interfere with daily tasks such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
In your assessment, a mental health professional might also utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given a cognitive test that will assess your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the medications available and treatment options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help address issues that may be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an employment, difficulties with social relationships and relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
The medication can treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. 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). The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) can be effective in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these conditions than using medication in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at work, in school and with relationships. The goal is to improve confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications Therapy and counseling could provide significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping.
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 can also help people develop strategies to control impulses, emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to the impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live happier and more productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly enhance job performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. The therapist's approach 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 as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who cannot afford it.
