Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they have trouble at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in relationships, or because they've been informed by family or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that it takes time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the requirements for the disorder: A number of them occur prior to the age of 12. They can occur in more than one setting such as home, school and work. And they interfere with daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider may want to do additional tests before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's crucial to be honest with your health professional. And this might involve talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have affected your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you may also ask to speak with your spouse, close family members and close friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. adhd diagnosis uk may even ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often notice that their issues interfere with daily activities, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships, or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also look into the family and medical history of the person 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 difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency to lose the 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 quickly and often struggle to organize their work, home or routine activities. They might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or at play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
In adults, it is more common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care physician. He or she will probably refer you to a mental health specialist. The professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns at school, work or at home to determine how they impact your daily life. They can conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family and will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider how long you have had these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. In addition, they must interfere with daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
In your assessment, a mental health professional may use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely conduct a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the medications available and treatment options. It is usually best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that may arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically more mild than in childhood, however they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause difficulty in getting or keeping jobs, issues with relationships and social interactions academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors.
The medication can treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed medications. 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 some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be a more effective treatment for these conditions than just using medications alone. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at school, at work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual and reduce problematic behavior, as well as improve their performance and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed a higher level of 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 help with issues such as low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients to overcome negative thoughts and how to 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that can arise from impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist people to live a more productive and satisfying life, especially at work.
his explanation can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to getting the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have successfully been able to treat ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. Examining the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee, or provide therapy online, making treatment accessible for those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.