Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have problems at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends those seeking a diagnosis consult their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and take 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 thyroid problems or seizures.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be eye-opening and liberating, however it can also be distressing. 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 after being told by friends or family that they may have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a healthcare professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves 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. Many of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They can be present in more than one place, such as school, home and work. They affect daily life.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare professional might recommend additional tests before making a diagnosis. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, 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. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to get a more complete understanding of the challenges you've faced. They might even request that your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and work. They might have difficulties finding work, staying in relationships, or even making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions and remember things, manage tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools called checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also check the family and medical history of the person and take into account other mental health problems. 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattention is also characterized by difficulty following and working on tasks, aswell being prone to getting distracted or lose track of time.
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 easily and have trouble organizing their day-to-day activities, work or home. They may lose phones, keys, papers or wallets frequently. They are unable to wait their turn at the classroom, at work or in play. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood fluctuations.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders anxiety, depression, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
adhd adult diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step to get a diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They will likely recommend you to a mental health professional. These professionals will examine your symptoms and issues in the workplace, at school or at home to determine if they affect your life. They may use an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over your medical and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take into consideration how long you have had these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by another disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder everyday activities like getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping the job.
When read here are evaluated A mental health professional might also utilize standardized scales of behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to check your executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health professional finds that you have ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and other coworkers. It can also help address issues that may arise in relationships and marriages because of the difficulties that ADHD can cause at work and home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can cause problems in obtaining or maintaining a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships and self-esteem issues, academic failures emotional stress, temper tantrums and antisocial behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated using the non-stimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. These medications are slower to work than stimulants, and may be beneficial for those who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is a more effective treatment than medication alone for these disorders according to research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at work, school and in relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the individual and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their efficiency and success. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adult ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
For adults who do not wish to take medication, therapy and counseling may offer significant relief. Individual therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients how to change their negative thinking 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 provide strategies for impulse control emotional regulation, relationship and issues that may arise due to an impulsive behavior. These techniques can aid people in living an enjoyable and productive life, particularly at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. For adhd adult diagnosis , this may be a matter of changing the way their work is structured to give them more flexibility to meet deadlines and finish tasks in time.
It is important to choose the appropriate therapist for adults ADHD treatment. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have successfully dealt with ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. It is important to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make treatment more accessible to those who are unable to afford it.