Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues in their relationships or at work due to ADHD. NIMH suggests that those seeking diagnosis consult their primary care provider, or a mental health professional.
They will ask for a detailed medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. adhd adults diagnosis uk might also undergo an examination to rule out medical issues that could be similar to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD can be eye-opening and empowering, but it can also be a source of anxiety. adhd diagnosis adult uk who have been struggling with ADHD symptoms for years may eventually seek out professional help due to frustrations at work, in relationships, or because relatives or friends have informed them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time for a medical professional to make an ADHD diagnosis and the process requires more than just a series of clinical interviews or tests.
The first step is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. A number of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They may occur in more than one setting such as school, home and work. They can also affect everyday functioning.
Because symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as anxiety or bipolar, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your healthcare provider might recommend additional tests before making an official diagnosis. This might include clinical interviews and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological testing to determine your thinking capabilities, problem-solving skills, and memory.
It is essential to be honest with your health professional. And this could mean talking about how the struggles you're experiencing in various areas of your life have impacted your mood. The mental health professional who is evaluating you may also want to speak to your spouse, family members and close friends to gain an understanding of your struggles. They might also ask permission to have your family members complete questionnaires that compare their experiences with yours.
Symptoms
Adults with ADHD may find that their symptoms affect daily life, especially at school and at work. They may have difficulty finding work, staying in relationships, or even being able to make ends meet due to the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions or remember details, plan tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild or moderate. It could also be severe.
To determine ADHD doctors use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also take into account medical and family histories and 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.
Inattentional symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, and being easily distracted. Inattention is also manifested by a lack of focus and difficulty working on tasks, aswell as a tendency to get lost in the flow or lose the 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, work or home. They may lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, work or play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and have frequent mood swings.
Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment and make it difficult to diagnose ADHD.
Treatment
Talking to your primary care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to a specialist in mental health. They will look over your symptoms and concerns at school, work or home to see how much they interfere with your life. They will use an organized interview and might seek the assistance of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family and perform a physical examination.
Your doctor will also take a look at how long you've experienced these symptoms, and the impact they affect your life today. To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. They should also hinder daily tasks such as attending school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining an occupation.
During your examination, your mental health specialist may use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also be administered a cognitive test which will test your working memory and executive 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 psychiatrist decides you have ADHD, he or she will explain the various medications available and will discuss treatment options. It is usually best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy helps you to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and other coworkers. It can also help with issues that can be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.
Medication
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually much milder than they were in childhood, but they can still cause problems at home and at work. The disorder can lead to difficulties in getting or keeping an excellent job, issues with social interactions and relationships as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures, 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 of information within the brain. Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common drugs. Jornay, Xelstrym, Cotempla and Adhansia are just a few examples of stimulants. Adults are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and antidepressants like bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants and may be more appropriate for those who can't take stimulant medication because of health problems or serious side effects.
Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral treatment, may help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for these disorders than just using medications on their own. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, at work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problems with behavior, and improve the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that every psychotherapy program for adult ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed an improvement in their condition more than those who only took the medication.
Counseling
Adults who aren't ready to take medication can get relief from therapy and counseling. Individual therapy can help with issues such as low self-esteem and feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that commonly occur with ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their families to comprehend the disorder and learn ways to cope.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to control 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 concentrate on developing time-management and organizational skills, or teach coping mechanisms to deal with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationships issues that can arise from an impulsive behavior. These strategies can aid people in living a more productive and satisfying life, especially in the workplace.
Counseling can also help those with ADHD in requesting accommodations for work that are provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly enhance job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to allow them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time.
Finding the right therapist essential to get the most benefit from treatment for adults with ADHD. It is important to inquire about the therapist's method and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is important when interviewing potential therapists. Checking the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is also an excellent idea. Some therapists have a sliding scale fee or provide therapy online that make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.