Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be misinterpreted as ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time might eventually seek out professional help due to frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their family members or friends have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to determine ADHD, and that the process is more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one place, such as school, home and at work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical or mental illnesses. This might include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's crucial to be open with your mental health professional, and that might mean talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to get more insight into your challenges. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at school and at work. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to pay the bills because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult to remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine adult diagnosis adhd employ common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also check the medical and family history of the patient and consider 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 difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose track of time or get 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 lose things easily and have trouble organizing their day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They may lose their keys, phones 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.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it harder to determine ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. The professionals will look at your symptoms and issues in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine how they affect your daily life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also go over your family and medical background and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take into consideration how long you have had these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must affect everyday activities like getting to class, completing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
In your assessment the mental health professional might use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test which will test your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD they will go over the medications available and treatment options. Most often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It can also help with issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are generally much milder than they were in childhood, however they can still create problems at home and work. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs, issues with social and interpersonal relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, which control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, such as bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants and may be more appropriate for those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these disorders than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adult ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral 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 aren't able to take medication Therapy and counseling could provide significant relief. Individual therapy can help with issues like low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that often occur with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn strategies for dealing with it.
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 provide strategies to control impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that may result from the impulsive behavior. These techniques can help people live a more productive and satisfying life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD in applying for work accommodations that may be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically improve job performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is important to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. The therapist's approach and if they have dealt with ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.