Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
getting a adhd diagnosis will ask for an extensive medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They could also undergo an examination to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a health professional can take several months to determine ADHD and that the process requires 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: Many of them occur before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one setting like home, school and work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might want to conduct additional tests prior to making an official diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It's important that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your issues in different areas of life. Additionally, the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close friends and family members to get a more complete picture of how you've struggled. They may even ask permission to ask them to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and then compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, especially at work and in school. They may have difficulty maintaining a job, remaining in relationships or being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists, questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also take into account the medical and family history as well as 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, daydreaming, or being easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through and a tendency to lose the 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 lose things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities, work or home. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or when playing. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for those with ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. 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 receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They will likely refer you to a mental health professional. They will assess your symptoms and problems in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine how much they affect your daily life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also review your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the duration of these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must affect everyday activities like attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping a job.
During your examination Your mental health professional might employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also conduct an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will inform you of the medications available and discuss possible treatment options. Often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can create.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, however they can still create problems at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions, academic failures, low self-esteem, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within 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). Adults can also be treated using Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants and may be more suitable for people who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression connected to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be a more effective treatment for these conditions than relying on medications alone. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to increase confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and increase performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adult ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medication therapy and counseling can offer significant relief. Individual therapy can help with issues like low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly occur with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their loved ones to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control their behavior and alter 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 teach coping strategies for impulse control as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that may result from impulsive behavior. These methods can assist people to live a more productive and satisfying life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most out of treatment for adults with ADHD. The therapist's approach and if they have dealt with ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.