Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling in their 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 thorough history and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who've struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional in the wake of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because friends or family have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it takes time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: A number of them begin before the age of 12 years old. They are seen in multiple settings, for example, home, school, and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations in order to make a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be open with your health professional. And this could mean talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition the mental health professional doing your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even ask for permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms impact the way they live their lives, particularly at school and work. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult to remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also look into the family and medical history of the person and take into account 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well being prone to getting 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and often have trouble organizing their home, work or daily activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They are unable to wait their turn at the classroom, at work or during play. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adults, it's more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-existing conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in getting a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues in the workplace, at school or at home to determine how they are interfering with your life. They may use a structured interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the duration of these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. In order to be granted an diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
When you are evaluated A mental health professional might also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also conduct a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss 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 between family members and coworkers. It also helps to address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can create at work and at home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically more mild than in childhood. However they can cause issues at work and at home. The disorder can result in difficulties in getting or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions, self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently 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 orally disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated using atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants, and could be more suitable for people who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be helpful in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching techniques for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that commonly occur with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients how to change their negative thinking and manage their behavior. adhd diagnosis uk adults 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 for controlling impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise as a result of impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living more productively especially at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in applying for workplace accommodations that could be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this may mean changing the way their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks within the timeframes they need to.
It is essential to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.