Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnoses speak with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
It can be liberating and eye-opening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a doctor can take a long time to determine ADHD, and that the process is more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one setting like school, home and work. They can also affect the daily activities of people.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your health professional. And that might mean discussing how the difficulties that you're facing in various aspects of your life have impacted your mood. In addition the person who is conducting your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse, or close family members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even ask for permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and then compare them to your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often experience difficulties with daily activities, particularly at work and in school. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships, or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also analyze medical and family histories and 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 inattention issues with small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and frequently have trouble organizing their work, home or daily activities. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step in getting a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis will likely refer you to a mental health professional. These professionals will review your symptoms and problems at work, school or at home to determine how they affect your life. They will use 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 will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've experienced these symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must interfere with daily activities such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
During your evaluation, a mental health professional might also utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will check your executive and working memory functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If adhd diagnosis uk decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and will discuss possible treatment options. Often, a 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 also helps to address issues that can develop in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still create problems both at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in getting or keeping the job you want, issues with relationships and social interaction as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional stress, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are connected to ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is the most efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications in isolation. 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 the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically are a part of ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients how to overcome negative thoughts and control 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 for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living a more productive life particularly at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD in applying for accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly increase job satisfaction and performance. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is important to ask about their treatment approach and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. 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 more accessible to those who cannot afford it.