Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble in their relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
Finding a Diagnostic
It can be empowering and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family members or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to determine ADHD, and that the process involves much 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 occur before the age of 12. They can be found in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school, and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean you talk about how your mood has been affected by your difficulties in different areas of life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak with your spouse, close family members and friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They might also request that your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, especially at work and school. They may have trouble keeping their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also review medical and family history and take into account 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also associated with difficulty in following and finishing tasks, as well as a tendency to get lost in the flow 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 work, home or routine activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, work or at play. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression as well as 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 with your primary healthcare provider is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and problems in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine how they interfere with your life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also go over your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration how long you have 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 depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should interfere with daily activities such as getting to class, completing tasks on time or maintaining an occupation.
During your evaluation A mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They may also give you a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the medications available and treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also help with issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. adhd diagnose , Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or severe side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral 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 get relief from counseling and therapy. Individual therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, and feelings of being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones understand the disorder and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control their behavior and to change negative thoughts. diagnosed with adhd 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 the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that can arise from impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist you in living more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This can include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. Checking the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who are unable to afford it.