Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnoses speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and complete tests like symptom-rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and enlightening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or after being informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD, and that the process is more than completing standard tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: Several of them are present before age 12 years old. They are seen in a variety of settings, for example, home, school and at work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders like bipolar or anxiety and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare professional might want to conduct additional tests before making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your health professional. And that might mean discussing how the issues you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. In addition the mental health professional conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close friends and family members to gain a complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might also ask for permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD frequently find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, especially at work and in school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying 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 tasks. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD, providers use standardized tools, such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also analyze medical and family histories and 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.
Inattentional symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, and a tendency to lose the track of time or get 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 tend to forget things quickly and often have difficulty organizing their work, home or routine activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They are unable to wait their turn at school, at work, or when playing. They are prone to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood changes.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like disorder of the opposition depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will examine your symptoms and issues at work, school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review your family and medical history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've had these symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily life. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be better explained by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. They must also interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or maintaining a career.
In your assessment the mental health professional might also utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test that will check your executive and working memory functioning as well as your spatial and visual capabilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health professional determines that you have ADHD, they will discuss the medications available and treatment options. Most often, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The signs of ADHD in adults are typically less severe than they were in childhood, but they can cause issues at home and work. The disorder can lead to difficulty in obtaining or maintaining jobs, issues with relationships and social interactions and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. adhd diagnosis uk adult -stimulant atomoxetine as well as certain antidepressants like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. adhd in adults undiagnosed work slower than stimulants and could be beneficial for those who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for these conditions than just using medications alone. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve your performance at work, school and in relationships. The aim is to boost the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy approaches for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to change their negative thinking and control 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 can also help people develop strategies for controlling impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that may arise as a result of an impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist people to live happier and more productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. For professionals, this can mean changing the way their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time.
Choosing 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. Examining the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee, or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for those who can't afford to pay out of pocket.