Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have issues at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis talk to their primary care provider, or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed background and complete tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They could also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that could look like ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can be liberating and eye-opening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be a source of anxiety. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek a professional opinion, due to frustrations at work or in relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a health professional can take an extended time to determine ADHD and the process requires more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are in line with the requirements for the disorder: Several of them are present before age 12. They may occur in more than one setting such as home, school and work. They also interfere with everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders like bipolar or anxiety and other physical ailments and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional evaluations before making an assessment. This could include interviews with a psychologist, rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to assess your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.
adhd diagnosis uk adult is essential that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your evaluation might ask to talk to your spouse, or close family and friends members to get a more complete picture of the struggles you've faced. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically find that their symptoms interfere with daily life activities, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to make ends meet due to their inattention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult for them to remember things, plan tasks, or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use standard tools such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also take into account the family and medical histories of patients 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.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattention is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get sidetracked 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 lose things easily and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities, work or home. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, work or at play. They are prone to stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adults, it is more common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring conditions like oppositional defiant or conduct disorders, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. These professionals will examine your symptoms and problems in the workplace, at school or at home to determine how they affect your daily life. They will conduct an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. In order to be granted a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at minimum six months, and they cannot be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety. In addition, they must hinder everyday activities like attending classes, completing tasks on time or maintaining a job.
In your assessment Your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They will likely also give you a cognitive test to check your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They may also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms, such as a seizure disorder or thyroid issue.
If your doctor decides you have ADHD the doctor will explain the various medications available and discuss the treatment options. It is generally recommended to combine therapy with medication (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help with problems that may arise in marriages and relationships due to the difficulties ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be milder than in childhood. However, they can still create problems at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with social relationships and interactions as well as self-esteem issues, academic lapses, emotional distress, 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 that control the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work slower than stimulants, and could be a better choice for people who are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive-behavioral treatment, could be helpful in treating comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than relying on medications in isolation. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving functioning at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost confidence in oneself, reduce problematic behavior and improve their functioning and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients include a cognitive behavior component. Researchers have found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who were only taking pills.
Counseling
For adults who aren't able to use medications, 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 help improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the condition and develop strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills 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 help people develop strategies for controlling impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that can arise due to impulsive behavior. These techniques can help people live an enjoyable and productive life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD in applying for workplace accommodations that could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically improve job performance and satisfaction. For professionals, this could require modifying the way in which their work is organized so that they have more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete 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 treatment approach and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. Checking the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some providers have an affordable sliding scale fee or provide online therapy, making treatment accessible for those who can't afford to pay out from their pockets.