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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing 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 take a detailed history and take tests like symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They may also get a physical exam to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems. Getting a Diagnosis It can be a great relief and enlightening to receive an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be depressing. Adults who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for a long time may finally seek professional advice, either because of frustrations at work, in relationships, or because their family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It's important to note that it may take a while for a health professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process includes more than just interviews or tests. The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms are in line with the criteria for the disorder: Several of them occur before age 12 years old. They can be found in a variety of settings, for example, school, home and at work. They can affect the daily functioning of a person. Your doctor may have to perform additional evaluations to determine an accurate diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and other physical or mental illnesses. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological testing to evaluate your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory. It's important to be completely open with your health professional. And that might mean talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life have affected your mood. Additionally the person who is conducting your evaluation may request that you speak with your spouse or close family and friends members to gain a complete picture of how you've struggled. They might even ask for permission to ask them to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your personal. Symptoms Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms affect the way they live their lives, particularly at work and school. They may have trouble keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also be struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of their lack of attention and impulsivity. This makes it difficult for them remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or even severe. To determine ADHD, doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also review medical and family history and consider 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. Inattentional symptoms include inattention issues with small details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty completing tasks, as well 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 quickly and have difficulty organizing their day-to-day activities either at work or at home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets often. They have difficulty waiting their turn in the classroom, at work or when playing. They are easily frustrated or stressed and have frequent mood shifts. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as oppositional defiant or conduct disorders depression, anxiety and tic disorders Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. The presence of co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to treat and can make it harder to determine ADHD. Treatment If you think you might have ADHD, the first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk with your primary care physician. They can refer you to a specialist in mental health. These professionals will review your symptoms and concerns at work, school or at home to determine how they impact your life. They will conduct an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family history and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor will also look at how long you have had these symptoms and what impact they have on your life. To be able to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, they must affect daily activities such as getting to class, completing tasks on time or keeping a job. When you are evaluated A mental health professional could employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be given an assessment of cognitive function that will check your executive and working memory functioning as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also test for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as seizure or thyroid disorder. If your doctor determines that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will inform you of the medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is usually best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also help with issues that can develop in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause. Medication ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, adult diagnosis adhd can still cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social relationships and interactions and self-esteem issues, academic lapses, 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 that control the flow of information within the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most frequently prescribed medications. 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with the non-stimulant atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or serious side effects. Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may be useful for treating disorders that are comorbid to ADHD like anxiety and depression. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these disorders than just using medications alone. Psychotherapy focuses primarily on teaching strategies to manage the disorder as well as improving functioning at school, at work and with relationships. The goal is to improve the self-esteem of the person and decrease the risk of problematic behavior. It is also a way to increase their efficiency and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy method for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received therapy and medication showed a higher level of improvement than those who only took the medication. Counseling Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from counseling and therapy. Individual talk therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem, and feelings of being insecure that are commonly associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping patients and family members understand the condition and learn strategies for coping. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses primarily on teaching patients 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills or teach coping techniques to manage emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationship problems that may arise from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live an easier life, particularly at work. Counseling can also assist people with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can dramatically increase job satisfaction and performance. For professionals, this can require modifying the way in which their work is structured to allow them more flexibility to meet deadlines and complete tasks in time. Finding the right therapist essential to getting the most out of treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their treatment approach and if they have prior experience in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make treatment easier for those who are unable to afford it.
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