Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing them issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and complete tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They can be subjected to a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that could be misinterpreted as ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they might have ADHD. It is important to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to determine ADHD and that the process involves much more than completing standard tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms are present before the age of 12. They can occur in more than one place such as school, home and work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might want to conduct additional tests prior to making a diagnosis. This could include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological tests to evaluate thinking capabilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And that might mean discussing how the issues that you're facing in various aspects of your life have impacted your mood. Additionally, the person who is conducting your assessment may ask you to talk to your spouse, or close friends and family members to get a fuller 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 often notice that their issues interfere with daily activities, especially at work and in school. They might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow directions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD the professionals use standard tools, such as checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also check the family and medical history of the person and take into account 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 trouble paying attention to things, focusing on details, and being to be easily distracted. Inability to finish tasks and follow-through, and a tendency to lose the track of time or become distracted are also signs of inattention.
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 at work or at home. They may lose keys, phones or wallets often. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, work or playing. They have a low tolerance to frustration or stress and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like conduct disorders or oppositional defiant, anxiety or depression and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse problems. The presence of co-occurring disorders can complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD the first step towards getting a diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. The professionals will examine your symptoms and problems at work, school or at home to determine how much they interfere with your daily life. They might conduct a structured interview or ask family members or close friends to assist. They will also review the medical and family history of your family and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you've experienced these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, completing tasks on time, or keeping the job.
During your examination, your mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be given an assessment of cognitive function that will check your working memory and executive functioning as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain the various medications available and discuss treatment options. Often it is a combination of medications and talk therapy (counseling) is the best. Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. It can also address problems that may develop in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can cause at home and work.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be more mild than in childhood. However they can cause issues at work and at home. similar web page can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining the job you want, issues with social interactions and relationships, self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that control the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine as well as 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 are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) can be effective in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these disorders than using medication on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improving functioning at school, work and with relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their efficiency and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers discovered that ADHD patients who received psychotherapy and medication experienced an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings of failure and frequent job changes that commonly accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones to understand the disorder and develop strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients 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 teach coping strategies for controlling impulses as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to an impulsive behavior. These techniques can assist you in living an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can help people with ADHD seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists, it is important to ask about their methods and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. Examining the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some therapists have an affordable sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services, making treatment accessible for those who are unable to pay out of pocket.