Getting adhd adults diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking an assessment consult with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
They will take a thorough history and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be a great relief and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, motivated by their frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a health professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Several of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one setting, such as school, home and at work. And they interfere with the daily activities of people.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders like bipolar or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional tests before making an official diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory.
It's important that you are completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss how your mood was affected by your issues in various aspects of your life. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to get an understanding of your struggles. They may even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences with yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, especially at school and work. They may struggle to keep jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to their inattention and impulsivity, making it difficult for them remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also take into account 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.
The symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and seeming to be easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency lose the 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 tend to lose things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities at work or at home. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn at school, at work or when playing. They are prone to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood swings.
In adults, it is more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-existing conditions, such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and make it more difficult to determine ADHD.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and concerns at work as well as at school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also go over the medical and family background of your family, and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the duration of these symptoms, and the effect they are having on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cannot be explained by other disorders like depression or anxiety. In addition, they must hinder daily activities such as attending classes, completing tasks on time or keeping a job.
During your examination Your mental health professional may also use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of cognitive function that will check your executive and working memory functioning, as well as your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problem.
If your psychiatrist finds that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available treatments and medications options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication between your family members and colleagues. Therapy can also aid in resolving problems that may develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be milder than in childhood. However they can cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can lead to problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with relationships and social interaction, academic failures, low self-esteem, emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
The medications can help treat 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 medications. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, such as bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression that are connected to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is a more effective treatment for these disorders than using medication alone. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to increase the person's self esteem and reduce problematic behavior, as well as increase their efficiency and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to use medication therapy and counseling can offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem and feelings failure that are frequently associated with ADHD. It can also help improve relationships and improve communication by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to manage their behavior and to change 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 the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques to manage emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues that may arise from the impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living an easier life particularly at work.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their work performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could mean changing the way their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks on time.
It is crucial to select the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is important to ask about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. how is adhd diagnosed in adults offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who cannot afford it.