Technology Is Making ADHD Diagnosis In Adults Better Or Worse?

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 seeking a diagnosis talk with their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional.

They will ask for an extensive medical history and conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might also undergo physical examinations to rule out medical issues that may be a sign of ADHD, such as thyroid problems or seizures.

Diagnosis

It can be a great relief and eye-opening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be depressing. Adults who have struggled with ADHD symptoms for a long time may decide to seek help from a professional due to frustrations at work, in their relationships, or because family members or friends have told them that they might be suffering from ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that it can take 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 is to determine whether your ADHD symptoms are consistent with the criteria for the disorder. Many of these symptoms manifest before the age of 12. They are seen in two or more settings--for instance, at home, school, and work. They can also affect daily functioning.

Your healthcare provider may need to perform additional evaluations in order to make an accurate diagnosis. This is because symptoms of ADHD are also triggered by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other physical conditions or illnesses. This could include interviews with a psychologist and rating scales for symptoms, and psychological tests to evaluate your thinking abilities as well as your problem-solving abilities and memory.

It is essential that you are 100% honest with the mental health professional. This could mean discussing the ways in which your mood has been affected by your struggles in various areas of your life.  adhd diagnoses  who is evaluating your mental health you may also want to speak with your spouse, close family members, and friends to get an understanding of your challenges. They might also request permission to have family members fill out questionnaires to compare their experiences with yours.

Symptoms

Adults with ADHD might find that their symptoms impact daily life, especially at work and school. They might have trouble maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity that make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete projects. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

To determine ADHD, doctors use the standard tools, such as checklists, interview questions and questionnaires. They also look at 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.

The signs of an inattentive personality include difficulty paying attention details, daydreaming and appearing easily distracted. Trouble following and finishing tasks and a tendency lose track of time or get distracted are all 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 lose things quickly and have difficulty organizing their daily activities, work or home. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets a lot. They are unable to wait their turn at school, at work or during play. They are easily frustrated or stressed, and experience frequent mood swings.

In adults, it is more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring disorders like conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety or depression as well as tic disorders, Tourette syndrome and other substance abuse problems. Co-occurring disorders may complicate treatment, and make it harder to determine the cause of ADHD.

Treatment

If you think you might have ADHD, the first step towards getting an accurate diagnosis is to speak with your primary care provider. They'll likely refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. The professionals will look at your symptoms and problems at work at school, at home or at home to determine how they affect your life. They may use a structured interview or ask family members or close family members to help. They will also go over the medical and family history of your family, and will conduct a physical examination.

Your doctor will also look at the duration of these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and are not explained by other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, they should affect daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining a job.

During your examination Your mental health professional may also employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will likely also conduct a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning, as well as your spatial and visual abilities. They will also test for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.

If your doctor determines that you have ADHD and you are diagnosed, they will explain what medications are available and will discuss possible treatment options. In most cases, a combination of medication and talk therapy (counseling) is best. Therapy helps you learn to manage your symptoms and improve communication with family members and co-workers. Therapy can also aid in resolving issues that could be a problem in relationships and marriages due to the difficulties ADHD can cause.

Medication

The symptoms of ADHD in adults are generally less severe than they were in childhood, however they can cause issues at work and home. The disorder can cause difficulties in obtaining or keeping the job you want, issues with relationships and social interaction as well as self-esteem issues, academic failures, emotional anxiety, temper tantrums and an attitude that is antisocial.

The medication can treat the disorder by balancing and increasing the levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate the flow information in the brain. The stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications 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 oral disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, 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 severe adverse reactions.

Psychotherapy (also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy) could be beneficial in treating comorbid disorders associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy could be a better treatment than medication alone for these disorders as per research. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching strategies for managing the disorder and improving performance at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self-esteem, decrease problematic behavior and increase the effectiveness and performance. It is recommended that each psychotherapy approach for adults ADHD patients contain a cognitive-behavioral component. In one study, researchers found that ADHD patients who received both psychotherapy and medication reported a higher level of improvement than those who just took the pills.

Counseling

For adults who aren't able to use medications therapy and counseling can be a great source of relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues like low self-esteem, feelings of being insecure and frequent job changes that typically are a part of ADHD. It can also improve relationships and communication by helping patients and their loved ones to understand the disorder and learn ways to cope.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is primarily focused on teaching patients to change their negative thoughts 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 can also help people develop strategies to control impulses emotional regulation, relationship and issues that can arise due to an impulsive behavior. These strategies can help people live a more productive and satisfying life, particularly in the workplace.

Counseling can help those with ADHD to apply for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can help improve their job performance and satisfaction. This could include altering the structure of their work to give them to be more flexible in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks within the timeframes they have set.

Finding the right therapist crucial to get the most value from treatment for adults with ADHD. Asking about the therapist's approach and whether they have been able to treat ADHD in adults is crucial when interviewing potential therapists. Verifying the credentials of therapists and insurance coverage is a smart idea. Some providers offer an affordable sliding scale fee or provide online therapy which make therapy accessible to people who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.