Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care physician or a mental health professional.
They will ask for an extensive medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical ailments that might be mistaken for ADHD or thyroid issues, for example or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, but it can also be stressful. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years may finally seek professional advice in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because friends or family have told them that they could be suffering from ADHD. It's important to remember that it can take time for a healthcare professional to make 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. adhd diagnosis adult uk 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 interfere with daily functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by mood disorders, like bipolar or anxiety and other physical ailments and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional tests before making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your health professional. And this could mean talking about how the struggles you're having in different areas of your life have affected your mood. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They may even ask permission to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your own.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at school and at work. They may have difficulty keeping a job, staying in relationships, or being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which makes it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.
To determine ADHD the professionals use standard tools called checklists as well as questionnaires and questions for interviews. They also take into account 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 symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention to details, daydreaming and appearing to be easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency to lose track of time or get distracted are all 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 also tend to forget things quickly and often have difficulty organizing their work, home or routine activities. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn in school, at work or when playing. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and suffer from frequent mood swings.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression or anxiety, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult, and make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary healthcare provider. They'll likely recommend you to a mental health professional. They will look over your symptoms and problems at school, work or at home to determine how they affect your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they may seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider how long you've had these symptoms and what effect they have on your life now. In order to be granted a diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining the job.
During your examination the mental health specialist may utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test that will assess your working memory and executive functioning and also your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or seizure disorder.
If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will inform you of the medications available and will discuss possible treatment options. It is often best to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also address problems that may be a problem in marriages and relationships due to the issues that ADHD can create at work and at home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally less severe than those in childhood. However, they can still cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can result in problems in obtaining or maintaining an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships, academic failures, low self-esteem emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They regulate the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in adults. Examples include Jornay (methylphenidate extended-release tablets), Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine extended-release oral suspension), Cotempla (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release orally disintegrating tablet) and Adhansia (methylphenidate hydrochloride immediate-release oral disintegrating tablet). Adults can also be treated using Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for these disorders than just using medications in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve functioning at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and improve their performance and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication showed higher improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medication, therapy and counseling may provide significant relief. Individual therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by assisting patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn coping techniques.
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 can also concentrate on developing organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques to deal with emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems caused by the impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid you in living an easier life, particularly at work.
Counseling can also guide people with ADHD when applying for work accommodations that may be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly enhance job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this may be a matter of changing the way their work is structured so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks within the timeframes they need to.
Choosing the right therapist is crucial to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. 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 a smart idea. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who cannot afford it.