Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD causes them to have difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH suggests that people seeking a diagnosis speak with their primary care provider or mental health professional.
They will take a detailed history and take tests such as symptom rating scales or psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be misinterpreted as ADHD like thyroid issues or seizures.
Finding a Diagnostic
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be revealing and liberating, however it can also be stressful. Adults who have been struggling with the symptoms of ADHD for years may decide to seek out a medical opinion, due to frustrations at workplace or in their relationships, or because they've been informed by family members or friends that they may be suffering from ADHD. It is important to remember that a health professional can take several months to diagnose ADHD and that the process requires more than just completing standardized tests or conducting clinical interviews.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms meet criteria for the disorder: Many of them occur before age 12 years old. They occur in a variety of settings, for example, home, school, and work. They also interfere with daily functioning.
adhd diagnosis adult uk may need to perform additional evaluations to determine a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other physical or mental illnesses. This could include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities and problem-solving skills and memory.
It's crucial to be open with your mental health professional, and this could mean discussing how the difficulties that you're facing in various aspects of your life affect your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you might also request to speak to your spouse, family members, and friends to get an understanding of your struggles. They might even ask permission to have your family members fill out questionnaires comparing their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms impact everyday life, particularly at school and work. They might have trouble maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even getting by due to the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow directions and remember things, manage tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use common tools like checklists, interview questions, and questionnaires. They also check the family and medical history of the person 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 difficulty paying attention to small details, waking up and appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, and a tendency to lose track of time or get 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, work or home. They might lose their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They struggle to wait for their turn at school, at work or playing. They have a low tolerance for stress or frustration and are subject to frequent and intense mood swings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders, anxiety, depression as well as tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis when you suspect that you suffer from ADHD. He or she may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and problems at work at school, at home or at home to determine how they interfere with your daily life. They might conduct an organized interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical exam.
Your doctor will also look at the length of time you've been experiencing these symptoms and the effect they affect your life today. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained better by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with everyday tasks like getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or maintaining an occupation.
In your assessment, a mental health professional might also employ standardized scales for behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. You will also be administered an assessment of your cognitive abilities which will test your executive and working memory functioning as well as your visual and spatial capabilities. They may also test for other conditions which can cause similar symptoms like seizures or thyroid issue.
If your psychiatrist finds that you have ADHD, they will discuss the available treatments and medications options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between your family members and colleagues. It can also help with problems that may arise in marriages and relationships because of the issues ADHD can create.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be milder than in childhood. However they can cause problems both at work and at home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs, issues with social relationships and relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and possibly antisocial behavior.
Medication can help with the condition by increasing and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, which control the flow of information within the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults are the most commonly prescribed medication used. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. Adults can also be treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy (also called cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that psychotherapy is a more efficient treatment for these conditions than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improving performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the individual, reduce problems with behavior, and improve functioning and success. It is recommended that every psychotherapy method for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients receiving both psychotherapy and medication showed greater improvement than those taking only pills.
Counseling
Adults who don't want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. 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 improve relationships and improve communication by helping patients and loved ones understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the skills to control their behavior and 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 and relationship issues that can result from impulsive behavior. These methods can aid you in living more productively especially at work.
Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This will improve their work performance and overall satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Choosing the right therapist is essential to get the most value from treatment for adult ADHD. When interviewing potential therapists it is important to ask about their approach and whether they have expertise in treating ADHD in adults. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is also a smart idea. Some providers offer a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.