Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnosis consult their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be empowering and eye-opening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might decide to seek help from a professional in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a health professional to determine an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: Many of them occur before age 12 years old. They can be found in a variety of settings, for example, home, school, and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare professional may want to do additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It is crucial to be 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss the ways in which your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. The professional who is evaluating your mental health you may also want to talk to your spouse, family members and friends to gain a better understanding of your issues. They may even ask permission to ask them to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at school and at work. They may have trouble keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to pay the bills because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult to remember things, organize tasks, or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ standard tools such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. adhd diagnosis adults look into the family and medical history of the person 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose track of time or get side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
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 have difficulty managing their daily routines, work or home. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in the classroom, at work or during play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and may make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and issues in the workplace, at school or at home to determine how they interfere with your daily life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms, and the impact they affect your life today. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and are not caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During your examination the mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also receive an assessment of cognitive function that will check your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They may also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms like a seizure disorder or thyroid problem.
If your mental health professional determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. In most cases the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that can develop in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are typically much milder than they were in childhood, but they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping a good job, problems with relationships and social interaction as well as academic failures, low self-esteem emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants, which are 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 orally disintegrating tablet). The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants and could be better for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improving the performance at work, in school and in relationships. The goal is to increase the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication experienced an improvement in their condition more than those who just took the medication.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medications therapy and counseling can offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients 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 time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies to deal with emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues caused by the impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live an enjoyable and productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD in applying for accommodations for work that are offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
Selecting the right therapist is crucial to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. The therapist's approach and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is an excellent idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who are unable to pay for it.