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Getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Adults Many people seek a diagnosis after realizing they are having issues in relationships or at work because of ADHD. NIMH suggests that people seeking diagnoses speak with their primary care provider, or mental health professional. They will request an extensive medical history as well as conduct tests such as symptom rating scales and psychological tests. They might be subjected to a physical examination to determine if they have any other medical conditions that may be mistaken for ADHD, such thyroid problems or seizures. Finding a Diagnostic It can be empowering and enlightening to receive a diagnosis of ADHD however, it can also be a source of anxiety. 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 due to being informed by family or friends that they might have ADHD. It is crucial to remember that a healthcare professional may take several months to diagnose ADHD and that the process involves much more than simply completing standardized tests or conducting interviews with a clinical psychologist. The first step is to determine if your ADHD symptoms meet requirements for the disorder: Many of them are present prior to the age of 12 years old. They may occur in more than one setting like school, home and work. They interfere with daily functioning. Your healthcare professional may need to conduct additional tests to determine a diagnosis. This is because the symptoms of ADHD are also caused by mood disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety and various other physical ailments or illnesses. This could include clinical interviews, rating-scales for symptoms, or psychological tests to test thinking capabilities as well as problem solving abilities and memory. It is crucial to be completely honest with your mental health professional. This could mean that you discuss the ways in which your mood has been affected by your difficulties in various aspects of your life. Additionally, the mental health professional doing your evaluation may request that you talk to your spouse or close friends and family members to get a fuller picture of how you've struggled. They may even ask permission to ask them to complete questionnaires about their experiences with you and compare them to your personal. Signs and symptoms Adults with ADHD often experience difficulties with everyday activities, especially at school and work. They might have difficulties maintaining a job, remaining in relationships, or even making ends meet because of the inattention and impulsivity which make it difficult to follow instructions, remember things, organize tasks or complete tasks. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. To determine ADHD, providers use standardized tools such as checklists, questionnaires and interview questions. They also look at 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. The symptoms of an inattentive person include difficulty paying attention things, focusing on details, and being easily distracted. Problems with completing tasks and staying on task and a tendency lose the 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 are also prone to forgetting things quickly and frequently struggle to organize their home, work or daily activities. They may lose their phones, keys or wallets often. They have trouble waiting for their turn at school, at work or play. They can be easily annoyed or stressed and suffer from frequent mood swings. In adults, it is more common for people suffering from ADHD to have co-occurring disorders, such as conduct disorders or oppositional defiant, anxiety or depression and tic disorders. Tourette syndrome and substance abuse issues. Co-occurring disorders can cause problems in treatment and can make it more difficult to determine ADHD. Treatment Talking to your primary care physician is the first step towards getting a diagnosis in the event that you suspect you may have ADHD. He or she will probably refer you to a mental health specialist. They will look over your symptoms and concerns at school, work or at home to determine how they impact your life. They will use an organized interview and may ask for the help of family members or other friends who know you well. They will also go over your medical and family background and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor will also take into consideration the length of time you've had these symptoms, and what impact they have on your life. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD symptoms, the person's symptoms must be present for at least six months and can't be explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression. In addition, they must hinder daily activities, such as getting to class, finishing tasks on time or maintaining an occupation. During your evaluation the mental health professional might utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior and ADHD symptoms checklists. They will also likely give you a cognitive test to assess your working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial abilities. They will also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. If your mental health provider determines that you have ADHD they will go over the available treatments and medications options. It is generally recommended to combine medication with talk therapy (counseling). Therapy can assist you in managing your symptoms, and also improve communication between family members and colleagues. It can also help address issues that can be a problem in marriages and relationships because of the difficulties that ADHD can create at home and work. Medication ADHD symptoms in adults are generally more mild than in childhood. However they can cause issues at home and at work. The disorder can result in difficulties in obtaining or keeping a job, trouble with relationships and social interactions, academic failures, poor self-esteem and emotional distress, temper tantrums and potentially antisocial behaviors. The medications can help treat the condition by increasing and balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate the flow of information in the brain. The stimulants, which are typically prescribed for ADHD in adults, are the most common medication used. 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 instant-release orally disintegrating tablet). Adults are also treated with atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, and some antidepressants, such as bupropion. These medications work slower than stimulants, and could be better for people who cannot take stimulant medication due to health issues or severe side-effects. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help in the treatment of conditions that can be comorbid like anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. Research suggests that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for these conditions than relying on medications alone. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the skills to manage the disorder and improve your performance at school, work and in relationships. The goal is to improve the person's self esteem, decrease problematic behaviors and increase their functioning and overall 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 psychotherapy and medication reported an improvement in their condition more than those who simply took the medication. Counseling For adults who aren't able to use medication therapy and counseling can be a great source of relief. Individual talk therapy can address issues such as low self-esteem and feelings failure that are often associated with ADHD. It can also help improve communication and strengthen relationships by helping loved ones to understand the disorder and learn strategies for coping. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on teaching patients the 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 may also focus on the development of organizational and time-management skills, or teach coping mechanisms for dealing with impulse control, emotional regulation and relationship issues that can arise from an impulsive behavior. Read the Full Report can help you live an easier life especially at work. Counseling can also help those with ADHD in requesting workplace accommodations that could be available under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can greatly improve job performance and satisfaction. This may include changing the structure of their work to give them more flexibility in meeting deadlines and finishing tasks in time. It is crucial to select the right therapist for adult ADHD treatment. When interviewing potential therapists it is essential to inquire about their methods and if they have experience treating ADHD in adults. It is also a good idea to check therapist credentials and insurance coverage. Some providers offer sliding scale fees or online therapy services to make therapy more accessible to those who can't afford it.