Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues at work or with relationships due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history as well as take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They can also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
It can be liberating and eye-opening to be given a diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at work or in their relationships or after being informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take a long time to diagnose ADHD and that the process is more than completing standard tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: A number of them occur prior to the age of 12. They may occur in more than one setting like school, home and work. 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 doctor might recommend additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to evaluate thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It is essential to be honest with your mental health professional, and this might involve discussing how the issues you're having in different areas of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to get a better understanding of your struggles. They might also ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently experience difficulties with daily activities, particularly at work and in school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or even getting by due to 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 diagnose ADHD doctors use standardized tools called checklists or questionnaires, as well as 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through 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 tend to forget things quickly and frequently have trouble organizing their home, work or daily activities. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They are unable to wait their turn at school, at work, or in play. They have a low tolerance to stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as disorder of the opposition, anxiety, depression and tic disorders Tourette syndrome and issues with substance abuse. 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 when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health professional. The professionals will look at your symptoms and issues in the workplace, at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review the medical and family history of your family and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms, and the impact they have on your life now. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time, or keeping an occupation.
During adhd adult diagnosis uk may also utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities that will assess your working memory and executive functioning and also your spatial and visual capabilities. adhd diagnosis adults uk will also test for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your mental health professional determines that you have ADHD and they'll discuss the available medications and treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help with issues that could develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional distress, temper tantrums, and an attitude that is antisocial.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing the levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs perform more slowly than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions, according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to improve their performance and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adults ADHD patients incorporate a cognitive-behavioral element. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can find relief through counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can help address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and family members understand the condition and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control their behavior and alter 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 organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques for dealing with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from impulsive behavior. These methods can help people live happier and more productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also assist people with ADHD in requesting accommodations for work that are offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly enhance job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time.
It is important to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have successfully dealt with ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services that make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out of pocket.