Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will ask for a detailed medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues that could be similar to ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD 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 out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or after being informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to diagnose ADHD and the process requires more than just completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one setting such as school, home and at work. They can also affect the daily activities of people.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders like bipolar or anxiety and other physical ailments and illnesses, your doctor might want to conduct additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, and psychological tests 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 that you discuss the ways in which your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various areas of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to talk to your spouse, family members, and friends to gain an understanding of your struggles. They may even ask permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and in school. They may have trouble keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also analyze medical and family histories and 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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 at work or at home. They might lose their keys, phones 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.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult, and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and problems in the workplace, at school or at home to determine if they are interfering with your life. They will conduct a structured interview and may seek the assistance 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 consider how long you have had these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must hinder everyday activities like getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping a job.
In your assessment, your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your executive and working memory functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and discuss the treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause issues at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors.
The medication can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using the non-stimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs work slower than stimulants and could be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD like depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these disorders than relying on medications in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving functioning at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to increase the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication experienced greater improvement than those who simply took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly are a part of ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems caused by impulsive behavior. These techniques can help you live an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and satisfaction. undiagnosed adhd in adults may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have experience 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 rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who can't afford it.