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 diagnoses speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed background and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to determine if they have any other medical conditions that could be mistaken for ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD but it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a doctor can take a long time to determine ADHD and that the process is more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: A number of them occur before age 12 years old. They can be present in multiple settings like school, home and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical or mental illnesses. This may include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It is crucial to be completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss the ways in which your mood has been affected by your issues in various aspects of your life. The professional who is evaluating your mental health you might also request to speak to your spouse, close family members, and friends to gain a better understanding of your issues. They might also ask for permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might notice that their symptoms affect everyday life, particularly at school and at work. They may struggle to keep 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 to remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also review medical and family history and consider other mental health problems. 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 difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and seeming easily distracted. Inattention can also be associated with difficulty in following and 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 easily and have difficulty organizing their daily activities, work or home. They might lose keys, phones or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, work or play. They have a low tolerance to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder depression or anxiety and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They'll likely recommend you to a mental health specialist. These professionals will review your symptoms and problems at school, at work or at home to determine how they impact your daily life. They will use an organized interview, and they may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the length of time you've had these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with daily tasks such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also receive 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 check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD the doctor will inform you of the medications available and discuss treatment options. Most often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are usually less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can cause difficulty in obtaining or maintaining jobs, issues with relationships and social interactions and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and possibly antisocial behavior.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult can aid in the disorder by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which control the flow of information through the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly 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 immediate-release orally disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated using Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and are better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and improve their the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adult ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from counseling and therapy. Individual 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 communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to manage their behavior and alter 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 provide strategies for impulse control as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to the impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, particularly in the workplace.
Counseling can also assist those with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is organized to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is essential to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist as well as insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who can't afford it.