Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they have trouble in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care 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 may be a sign of ADHD, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given a diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or after being informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it may take a while for a healthcare professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: Many of them are present prior to the age of 12 years old. They occur in multiple settings, for example, home, school and at work. They can also affect daily functioning.
Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to determine a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This could include interviews with a psychologist as well as rating scales to assess symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities ability to solve problems, as well as memory.
It's important that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to get a more complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might also request that your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often experience difficulties with daily activities, especially at school and work. They may have difficulty maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also analyze the medical and family history as well as 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 difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be characterized by difficulty following and completing tasks, as well being prone to getting sidetracked or lose the 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 everyday activities. They might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They are unable to wait their turn in school, at work, or during play. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for those with ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and may make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and concerns in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your daily life. They can conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also go over your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider how long you have had these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and cannot be explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they must interfere with daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining a job.
In your assessment Your mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. They may also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms like a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD, he or she will explain the various medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is often best to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also address problems that can arise in relationships and marriages due to the issues that ADHD can create at home and work.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually less severe than they were in childhood, but they can still cause problems at work and home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping an employment, difficulties with social and interpersonal relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow information in 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 oral disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated with Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medications alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and overall performance. visit the next website page is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control 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 teach coping strategies for impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can result from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live an easier life especially at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and overall satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is crucial to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Examining the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy that make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.