Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling in relationships or at work due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history as well as conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at work or in relationships or due to being informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a health professional can take an extended time to determine ADHD and the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They are seen in a variety of settings, for example, home, school and at work. They also interfere with the daily activities of people.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests to determine an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews, rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It is essential to be honest with your health professional. And that might mean discussing how the issues that you're facing in various aspects of your life have impacted your mood. Additionally the mental health professional conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close friends and family members to gain a complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might also ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms can affect their everyday life, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to keep a roof over their heads due to their inattention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also review 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task, and a tendency to lose the track of time or get distracted are also 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 forget things quickly and frequently struggle to organize their work, home or routine activities. They may lose phones, keys or wallets often. They are unable to wait their turn in the classroom, at work or in play. They have a low tolerance to stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at school, work or home to see how they impact your daily life. They will conduct an organized interview and may seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. To be diagnosed with Iam Psychiatry , symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping a job.
When you are evaluated, a mental health professional may utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of cognitive function which will test your working memory and executive functioning as well as your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like seizures or thyroid condition.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will explain the various medications available and will discuss the treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also address problems that may be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can create at work and home.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are generally much milder than they were in childhood, however they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulty in getting or keeping an employment, difficulties with social and interpersonal relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medications. 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 oral disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more suitable for people who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be the most efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications on their own. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to increase confidence in oneself, reduce problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how to overcome negative thoughts and 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping techniques to manage impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live more productively, particularly at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. Asking about the therapist's approach and if they have treated ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who cannot afford it.