Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed background and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek a professional opinion, due to frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or after being informed by family members or friends that they may have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a health professional can take a long time to determine ADHD, and that the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one place, such as home, school and work. And they interfere with the daily activities of people.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional tests before making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist, rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And this could mean discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition, the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask permission to have your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD may find that their symptoms affect the way they live their lives, particularly at work and school. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the lack of attention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools called checklists as well as questionnaires and interview questions. They also review the family and medical history of the person 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 details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Inattention is also associated with difficulty in following and working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get sidetracked or lose the 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 day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They might lose keys, phones, papers or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
In adults, it's more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They'll likely recommend you to a mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at work, at school or at home to determine how they affect your daily life. They can conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also go over your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the duration of these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. In order to be granted an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or sustaining the job.
When you are evaluated, a mental health professional could use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also perform a cognitive test to check your executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available treatments and medications options. It is usually best to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can create at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be less severe than those in childhood. However they can still cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with social relationships and interactions, self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow information in the brain. 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, such as bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and may be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adult suggests that psychotherapy can be the most effective treatment for these disorders than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improving functioning at work, in school and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and performance. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to take medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help with 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 loved ones understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how 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 provide strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise due to impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live happier and more productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly increase job satisfaction and performance. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach 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 fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who are unable to pay for it.