Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are having issues at work or with relationships because of ADHD. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnosis consult their primary care physician or mental health professional.
They will take a thorough background and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also undergo a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and eye-opening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family or friends that they may have ADHD. It's important to note that it takes time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just clinical interviews or tests.
More is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one setting like school, home and at work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Since symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical ailments and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional tests before making an official diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It is crucial to be completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your issues in different areas of life. In addition, the mental health professional doing your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to gain a complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might even ask for permission to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them with your personal.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with everyday activities, especially at school and work. They may struggle to keep their jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also find it difficult to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them to remember things, organize tasks, or complete projects. More can be mild or moderate. They can also be severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also look at the medical and family history as well as 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.
The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose track of time or get 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 struggle to organize their home, work or everyday activities. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like disorder of the opposition anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will review your symptoms and issues at school, at work or home to see how they impact your life. They will conduct an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and will conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've experienced these symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks such as attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
In your assessment, your mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also perform a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid condition.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the medications available and treatment options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages because of the issues ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are typically less severe than they were in childhood, however they can still cause problems at work and home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping a job, trouble with relationships and social interactions, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and even antisocial behaviors.
The medication can aid in the condition by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and could be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is the most efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improving the performance at school, work and with relationships. The goal is to increase the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problematic behavior and increase performance and success. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help address issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of failure and frequent job changes that typically accompany ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused 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 can also concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills, or teach coping mechanisms to manage emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from impulsive behavior. These techniques can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could mean changing the way their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks in time.
It is important to choose the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or provide online therapy which make therapy accessible to those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.