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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults Many people seek out a diagnosis when they realize that ADHD is causing difficulties at work or in their relationships. NIMH recommends that those seeking an assessment consult with their primary care provider or a mental health professional. They will request an extensive medical history and perform tests like symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo a physical exam to rule out medical conditions that may be a sign of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues. Diagnosis It can be empowering and eye-opening to be given an diagnosis of ADHD but it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with the symptoms of ADHD for a long time may decide to seek out a medical opinion, prompted by frustrations at workplace or in their relationships or due to being informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that a doctor can take an extended time to determine ADHD, and that the process is more than completing standard tests or conducting a series of clinical interviews. The first step in the process is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms match the requirements for the disorder: Many of them begin before age 12 years old. They can be found in multiple settings, for instance, at home, school and at work. And they interfere with everyday functioning. Since symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, and other physical conditions and illnesses, your doctor might want to conduct additional evaluations before making an official diagnosis. This could include interviews with a clinical psychologist or rating scales for symptoms, or psychological testing to assess thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory. It's important that you are completely honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing how your mood has been affected by your struggles in different areas of life. The mental health professional evaluating you may also ask to speak to your spouse, close family members and friends to gain an understanding of your challenges. They might even request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences to yours. Signs and symptoms Adults suffering from ADHD frequently find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, especially at school and work. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining relationships. They may also struggle to pay the bills because of their lack of attention and impulsivity, making it difficult to remember things, plan tasks, or complete tasks. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or even severe. To diagnose ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also analyze 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. Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to small details, daydreaming, and appearing easily distracted. Inattentiveness is also associated with difficulty in following and completing tasks, as well being prone to getting lost in the flow 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and often have trouble organizing their work, home or routine activities. They might lose their keys, phones or wallets a lot. They are often unable to wait for their turn at school, work or play. undiagnosed adhd in adults are easily frustrated or stressed and suffer from frequent mood swings. Adults with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as conduct or oppositional defiant disorders depression, anxiety and tic disorders Tourette syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and make it more difficult to identify ADHD. Treatment If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care physician. They may refer you to an expert in mental health. They will assess your symptoms and problems at work as well as at school or at home to determine how much they affect your life. They will conduct a structured interview and might seek the assistance of family members or close friends who know you well. They will also go over your family and medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor will also consider the length of time you've had these symptoms, and what effect they are having on your life. In order to receive an diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by another disorder such as depression or anxiety. They also have to interfere with daily tasks, such as getting to school, completing assignments on time, or sustaining the job. During your examination the mental health specialist may employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists. You will also receive an assessment of cognitive function which will test your working memory and executive functioning and also your visual and spatial capabilities. They will also look for any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example seizures or a thyroid disorder. If your psychiatrist determines that you suffer from ADHD they will go over the available medications and treatment options. It is often best to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can help you manage your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and coworkers. It can also address problems that may develop in marriages and relationships due to the problems ADHD can create at home and work. Medication ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However, they can still cause problems at work and at home. The disorder can lead to difficulties in obtaining or keeping an employment, difficulties with social and interpersonal relationships and academic failures, low self-esteem and emotional distress, temper flares and even antisocial behaviors. The medication can treat the disorder by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow of information in the brain. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD in adults. 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 immediate-release orally disintegrating tablet). The nonstimulant atomoxetine and certain antidepressants like bupropion are also used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work more slowly than stimulants and are more appropriate for those who aren't able to take stimulant medications because of health problems or serious adverse effects. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of disorders that are comorbid, such as anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. Psychotherapy may be a better treatment than medication alone for these conditions as per research. Psychotherapy is primarily focused on teaching skills for managing the disorder and improving the performance at school, work and in relationships. The aim is to increase the self-esteem of the person, decrease problematic behaviors and improve their performance and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy program for adults ADHD sufferers include a cognitive-behavioral component. Researchers found that ADHD patients who received both therapy and medication showed more improvement than those who only took pills. Counseling For adults who don't want to use medications Therapy and counseling could offer significant relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feeling of failure, and frequent job changes that typically accompany ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their families to understand the disorder and learn coping techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of teaching patients how to manage 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 impulse control as well as emotional regulation and relationship issues that arise due to the impulsive behavior. These methods can assist you in living an easier life, particularly at work. Counseling can also help people with ADHD when applying for workplace accommodations that could be provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can significantly increase job satisfaction and performance. This can include changing the structure of their jobs to allow them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks on time. Selecting the right therapist is essential to getting the most out of treatment for adult 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. Examining the credentials of therapists as well as insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers have a sliding scale fee or offer online therapy services, making treatment accessible for people who cannot afford to pay out from their pockets.