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 recommends those seeking a diagnosis talk to their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will request an extensive medical history and take tests such as symptom-rating scales and psychological tests. They may also get a physical exam to rule out medical issues that could look like ADHD or seizures or thyroid problems.
Diagnosis
It can be liberating and enlightening to receive the diagnosis of ADHD however, it can be also distressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help in the wake of frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because their friends or family have told them they may be suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a healthcare professional may take several months to determine ADHD and the process involves much more than just completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms occur before the age of 12. diagnosing adhd in adults can occur in more than one setting, such as home, school and work. They interfere with daily functioning.
Your doctor may have to conduct additional tests in order to make a diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It's important to be completely honest with your mental health professional, and this might involve talking about how the struggles that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional evaluating you might also request to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to gain an understanding of your struggles. They may even ask permission to have them complete questionnaires on their experiences with you and compare them with your own.
Symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD typically notice that their issues interfere with everyday activities, especially at school and work. adhd diagnosis uk adults might have trouble keeping a job, staying in relationships, or getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow directions or remember details, plan tasks or complete projects. The symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe.
To diagnose ADHD doctors employ the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also look into the medical and family history of the patient and consider 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.
Symptoms of the inattentive type include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing easily distracted. Inattention can also be manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty working on tasks, aswell being prone to getting 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 forget things easily and have trouble managing their daily routines either at work or at home. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They may have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work, or during play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood shifts.
Adults with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing conditions such as conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it harder to identify ADHD.
Treatment
If you think you have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care provider. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. They will assess your symptoms and issues at work, at school or at home to determine if they interfere with your life. They will conduct an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical history and family history and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also look at how long you have had these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must affect daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining the job.
In your assessment the mental health professional could use standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you an assessment of your cognitive abilities to test your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your mental health professional determines that you suffer from ADHD and they'll discuss the medications available and treatment options. Often the combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is the best option. Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms, and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the problems ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are generally milder than in childhood. However they can cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping a good job, problems with social interactions and relationships, self-esteem issues, academic lapses emotional distress, temper tantrums, and antisocial behavior.
Treatment with medication can help treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the flow information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. adhd diagnosis uk adults work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching strategies for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and improve their functioning and success. It is recommended that all psychotherapy methods for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive element. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those who only took pills.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can find relief through therapy and counseling. Individual talk therapy can help with issues like low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that commonly are a part of ADHD. It can also improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to manage their behavior and alter 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 time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies to manage emotional regulation, impulse control and relationships issues that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid people in living a more productive and satisfying life, especially at work.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD when applying for work accommodations that may be offered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and completing tasks within the timeframes they have set.
Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is crucial to inquire about their approach and whether they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. It is important to verify the credentials of the therapist and insurance coverage. Some providers have a sliding scale fee or provide therapy online which make therapy accessible to those who are unable to pay out from their pockets.