Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnosis talk to their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will ask for a detailed medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and empowering, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may decide to seek help from a professional, either because of frustrations at work, in their relationships, and/or because friends or family have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a health professional can take a long time to diagnose ADHD, and that the process requires more than just completing standardized tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. adhd diagnose may occur in more than one setting such as school, home and at work. And they interfere with everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional may want to do additional tests prior to making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a psychologist, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
It is crucial to be completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean you talk about the ways in which your mood has been affected by your difficulties in different areas of life. The mental health professional who is evaluating you may also ask to talk to your spouse, close family members and friends to gain a better understanding of your challenges. They may even ask permission to ask them to fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your personal.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD may find that their symptoms impact daily life, especially at work and school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors employ common tools like checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also review the medical and family history of the patient and consider 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 trouble paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty finishing 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 have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They may lose phones, keys, papers or wallets frequently. They are unable to wait their turn in the classroom, at work or in play. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring conditions, such as conduct disorders or oppositional defiant, anxiety or depression as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it more difficult to identify ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. He or she may refer you to an expert in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and issues at school, at work or at home to assess how much they interfere with your daily life. They will use a structured interview and may seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you have had these symptoms and what effect they are having on your life. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by another disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must affect daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or keeping the job.
During your examination Your mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be given an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your working memory and executive functioning as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health provider finds that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the medications available and treatment options. Most often the 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 other coworkers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be more mild than in childhood. However they can create problems at work and at home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional stress, temper tantrums and disruptive behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. 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 nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants and may be better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medications alone for these conditions according to research. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the person and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and overall performance. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported greater improvement than those who just took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that often occur with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting the patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control 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 may also focus on developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD when applying for accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly enhance job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could mean changing the way their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks on time.
Choosing the right therapist is crucial to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their methods and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who cannot pay for it.
