Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnose when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Making a diagnosis
It can be empowering and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for decades might finally decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they may have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a healthcare professional may take a long time to determine ADHD and the process involves much more than just completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one place, such as home, school and work. And they interfere with daily functioning.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to test thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And that might mean talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, family members, and friends to gain more insight into your issues. They might also ask permission to have your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, particularly at school and work. They might have difficulties keeping a job, staying in relationships or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that makes it difficult to follow instructions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also review medical and family history 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency to 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 frequently have trouble organizing their home, work or everyday activities. They might lose keys, phones and wallets, or papers frequently. They may have trouble waiting for their turn in school, at work or when playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in getting a diagnosis if you suspect you have ADHD. They will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues in the workplace at school, at home or at home to determine if they are interfering with your daily life. They will conduct an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've experienced these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. To be eligible for an diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should affect daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
In your assessment, a mental health professional might also use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of cognitive function that will assess your working memory and executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as a seizure disorder or thyroid condition.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and discuss possible treatment options. In most cases it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. how to diagnosis adhd can also address problems that can arise in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can create at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping a good job, problems with relationships and social interaction and self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently 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 orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) can be effective in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these disorders according to research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, at work and with relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve functioning and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication experienced a higher level of improvement than those who only took the pills.
Counseling
For adults who don't want to take medication Therapy and counseling could be a great source of relief. Individual therapy can address 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 the patients and their families to understand the condition and develop coping techniques.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients how to change their negative thoughts 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 developing organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues caused by an impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living a more productive life especially at work.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in requesting accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically enhance job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adults with ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential 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 fees or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who can't afford it.