Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis after realizing they are struggling at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD like thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, due to frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It's important to remember that it can take time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They may occur in multiple settings such as school, home and at work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Since adhd diagnosis uk of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional evaluations before making an official diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, as well as psychological tests to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and 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 issues in various areas of your life. In addition, the mental health professional doing your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close family members to gain a complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might even ask for permission to have them fill out questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at school and work. They might have trouble maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also look into the medical and family history of the patient and consider 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency lose the track of time or become side-tracked are also inattentive symptoms.
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 struggle to organize their home, work or everyday activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work, or in play. They have a low tolerance to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood swings.
In adults, it is more common for people suffering from 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 problems. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step in getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to an expert in mental health. These professionals will review your symptoms and issues at work, school or at home to assess how they impact your daily life. They can conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to help. They will also review your medical and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, and the impact they affect your life today. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like anxiety or depression. In addition, they must hinder everyday activities like getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping an occupation.
During your evaluation the mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you have ADHD, he or she will explain the various medications available and discuss possible treatment options. Often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. It can also help with issues that could develop in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally less severe than those in childhood. However they can cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with relationships and social interaction and academic failures, low self-esteem emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
Medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed medication used. 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 orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, such as bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and may be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health problems or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression that are associated with ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an efficient treatment for these conditions than just using medications in isolation. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching strategies for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adults ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to use medication therapy and counseling can provide significant relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and their loved ones to comprehend the disorder and learn strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to change their negative thinking and 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 the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping strategies to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationship problems that may arise from an impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid you in living more productively particularly at work.
Counseling can also help people with ADHD when applying for work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most benefit from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists, it is important to ask about their methods and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers offer an affordable sliding scale fee or provide therapy online that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.