A Comprehensive Guide To ADHD Diagnosis In Adults. Ultimate Guide To ADHD Diagnosis In Adults
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues in their relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will conduct a detailed history and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, however it can also be distressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek a professional opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being told by friends or family that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take time for a health professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just interviews or tests.
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 may occur in more than one setting like school, home and work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor may want to do additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your mental health professional, and that might mean talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. Additionally, the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close family members to get a fuller understanding of the challenges you've faced. They may even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD often notice that their issues interfere with daily life activities, particularly at school and work. They might have trouble maintaining a job, remaining in relationships or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.
To determine ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also look into the family and medical history of the person and take into account 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose the track of time or become distracted are all 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and often have trouble organizing their home, work or everyday activities. They might lose phones, keys and wallets, or papers frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work, or when playing. They have a low tolerance for frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and can make it harder to determine ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in being diagnosed if you suspect you have ADHD. They will likely recommend you to a mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and concerns in the workplace as well as at school or at home to determine if they affect 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 background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've experienced these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life now. To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and cannot be caused by other disorders such as anxiety or depression. They should also hinder daily tasks such as getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
During your evaluation A mental health professional could use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also give you a cognitive test to assess your executive functioning, and spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD the doctor will explain what medications are available and will discuss treatment options. In adhd diagnose , a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It also helps to address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can create at home and work.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are generally less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can result in difficulty in getting or keeping a job, trouble with social relationships and relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing 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 frequently 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be a better choice for people who are unable to take stimulants due to health problems or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching techniques for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can get relief from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to manage their behavior and to 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 may also focus on developing time-management and organizational skills, or teach coping mechanisms to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that may arise from impulsive behavior. These strategies can assist people to live happier and more productive life, especially at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this can mean changing the way their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is essential to inquire about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Examining the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who can't afford it.