15 Reasons Not To Overlook ADHD Diagnosis In Adults
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis when they realize they are struggling in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH recommends that those who are seeking an assessment consult with their primary care provider or a mental health professional.
They will request a detailed medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They could also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD or thyroid problems or seizures.
Making a diagnosis
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 a long time may decide to seek a professional opinion, prompted by frustrations at work or in relationships, or because they've been told by friends or family that they might have ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a health professional to arrive at an ADHD diagnosis, and the process involves more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step in the process is to identify whether your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: A number of them are present prior to the age of 12. They are seen in two or more settings--for example, school, home and at work. They can also affect the daily activities of people.
Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might recommend additional tests prior to making an assessment. This could include clinical interviews and rating-scales for symptoms or psychological testing to assess thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be open with your mental health professional, and that might mean discussing how the difficulties you're having in different areas of your life have affected your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you may also want to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to gain a better understanding of your struggles. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours.
Signs and symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD might notice that their symptoms can affect their the way they live their lives, particularly at work and school. They may have difficulty keeping jobs or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to make ends meet because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, which makes it difficult for them remember things, organize tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms could be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD, providers Full Document standardized tools called checklists or questionnaires, as well as questions for interviews. They also analyze 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulties paying attention to even the smallest details, daydreaming, or appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks, and a tendency to lose the track of time or become 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 also tend to forget things quickly and often have difficulty organizing their work, home or everyday activities. They might lose keys, phones, papers or wallets frequently. They have difficulty waiting their turn at the classroom, at work or when playing. They have a low tolerance for stress or anger and experience frequent and intense mood changes.
In adulthood, it's more typical for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as conduct disorders or oppositional defiant depression or anxiety as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, as well as substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can make treatment more difficult and make it difficult to determine the cause of ADHD.
Treatment
Talking with your primary healthcare provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. He or she will probably recommend you to a mental health professional. These professionals will review your symptoms and concerns at school, work or at home to determine how they affect your daily life. They will use an organized interview, and they might seek the assistance of family members or friends who know you well. They will also review your medical history and family background and conduct a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've experienced these symptoms and the effect they have on your daily life. To be eligible for 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 like anxiety or depression. They should also hinder everyday tasks like getting to school, finishing assignments on time, or sustaining the job.
During your evaluation the mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. They may also give you a cognitive test to check your executive functioning, as well as your visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the available treatments and medications options. It is usually best to combine treatment with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can aid in managing your symptoms and improve communication between family members and coworkers. It also helps to address issues that can develop in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can create at work and at home.
Medication
ADHD symptoms in adults are typically milder than in childhood. However they can still create problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an employment, difficulties with social and interpersonal relationships, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper outbursts and potentially antisocial behaviors.
Medication can help with the condition by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate the flow of information through the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are all examples of stimulants. The non-stimulant atomoxetine, a non-stimulant antidepressants, like bupropion, also are used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better suited to those who aren't able to take stimulant medications due to health issues or severe adverse reactions.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these conditions than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy is focused on teaching techniques to manage the disorder and improve performance at work, school and in 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 improve their performance and overall performance. It is advised that all psychotherapy strategies for adults ADHD patients include a cognitive-behavioral element. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported a higher level of improvement than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who do not want to take medication can benefit from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that typically occur with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and improve communication by helping the patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn strategies for dealing with it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients how to change their negative thinking and how to 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 developing time-management and organizational skills or teach coping strategies for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise from the impulsive behavior. These strategies can help you live a more productive life particularly at work.
Counseling can also guide those with ADHD in applying for work accommodations that may be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly improve job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
It is essential to choose the best therapist for adult ADHD treatment. Asking about the therapist's approach and if they have treated ADHD in adults is essential when interviewing potential therapists. It is also a good idea to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale rates or online therapy services to make therapy easier for those who are unable to pay for it.