Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and eye-opening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled 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 their relationships, or because they've been told by friends or family that they might have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: Many of them begin before the age of 12 years old. They are seen in a variety of settings, for example, school, home and at work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to conduct additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's important that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your struggles in various aspects of your life. In addition the mental health professional conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They might even request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often experience difficulties with daily activities, especially at work and in school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To determine ADHD, doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. adhd diagnosis adults uk review the medical and family history of the patient and take into account 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.
The symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency to lose 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 easily and have difficulty managing their daily routines, work or home. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, work or playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health. The professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at school, at work or home to see how they impact your daily life. They will use an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background 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. In order to be granted an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be better explained by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
During your evaluation the mental health professional might also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also perform a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. Often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with issues that could arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally less severe than those in childhood. However they can still create problems both at work and at home. The disorder can lead to problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
The medications can help treat the disorder by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are among the most frequently 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 immediate-release orally disintegrating tablet). The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants, like bupropion, are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious adverse effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) can be effective in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than using medication in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, at work and with relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can find relief through counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients to change their negative thinking 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 provide strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise as a result of an impulsive behavior. These techniques can help you live more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. 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 which make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.