Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis consult their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed background and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in relationships or after being told by friends or family that they might have ADHD. It's important to remember that it takes time for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: Several of them begin before age 12 years old. They are seen in a variety of settings, for example, school, home, and work. And they interfere with daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might want to conduct additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, and psychological testing to assess your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your issues in different areas of life. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, family members and friends to gain a better understanding of your struggles. They might even ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and at work. undiagnosed adhd in adults may have difficulty keeping their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to their inattention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them remember things, organize tasks, or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools such as checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also check the medical and family history of the patient and take into account 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, waking up and being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task, and a tendency to lose the track of time or become distracted are all 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 tend to forget things quickly and frequently have difficulty organizing their home, work or everyday activities. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They are unable to wait their turn in school, at work, or in play. They have a low tolerance to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood changes.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and problems at school, at work or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct a structured interview and might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family background of your family, and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the duration of these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must interfere with daily activities, such as getting to class, completing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
During your examination Your mental health professional might utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also receive an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning and also your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain the various medications available and discuss possible treatment options. Often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and other coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be less severe than those in childhood. However they can create problems both at work and at home. The disorder can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional distress, temper tantrums, and disruptive behavior.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate the flow of information through the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs 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 nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving the performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and improve their functioning and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can get relief from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings of being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to change their negative thoughts and how to manage their behavior. 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 may arise due to impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living an easier life particularly at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who cannot afford it.