Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary healthcare provider or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and take tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be eye-opening and empowering, but it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family or friends that they may have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to diagnose ADHD and the process requires more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They are seen in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school, and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to establish a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and various other physical ailments or illnesses. 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's important to be completely open with your mental health professional, and this might involve talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak to your spouse, close family members and close friends to gain more insight into your issues. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms affect everyday life, particularly at school and work. They might have difficulties finding work, staying in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also characterized by difficulty following and working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get 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 tend to lose things easily and have trouble managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They might lose phones, keys or wallets often. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety and tic disorders Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. He or she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. The professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at work, school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks such as attending school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
During your evaluation Your mental health professional may also use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the available treatments and medications options. Most often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help with problems that may be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping a job, trouble with social and interpersonal relationships academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and possibly antisocial behavior.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly 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 orally disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or serious adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at school, at work and with relationships. The aim is to increase the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. diagnosis for adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to take medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients how 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping techniques to manage impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from impulsive behavior. These methods can help people live happier and more productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can help people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this could mean changing the way their work is organized to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have successfully been able to treat ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who cannot pay for it.