Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues that could look like ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be stressful. Adults who have been struggling 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 after being informed by family members or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to diagnose ADHD, and that the process involves much more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: A number of them begin before age 12. They may occur in more than one place, such as home, school and work. adhd uk diagnosis can also affect the daily activities of people.
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 a diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to evaluate thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It is essential to be honest with your health professional. And this might involve discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you may also ask to talk to your spouse, family members and close friends to get an understanding of your struggles. They may even request that your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at school and at work. They may struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also take into account 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well being prone to getting distracted 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 forget things quickly and often struggle to organize their home, work or routine activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or when playing. They are prone to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions such as conduct or oppositional defiant disorders anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD the first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health professional. The professionals will look at your symptoms and problems at work, at school or at home to determine how much they affect your life. They will conduct an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've experienced these symptoms and what effect they have on your daily life. To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
In your assessment, a mental health professional might also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of cognitive function that will assess your working memory and executive functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. Most often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically much milder than they were in childhood, but they can still cause problems at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulty in getting or keeping jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and even antisocial behaviors.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information through the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications 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 are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving performance at work, in school and with relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their functioning and overall performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medications, therapy and counseling may be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to manage their behavior and change 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 help people develop strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise due to an impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living a more productive life particularly at work.
Counseling can also assist those with ADHD in requesting workplace accommodations that could be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is organized so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
It is essential 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 expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers provide sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who can't pay for it.