Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to lazyness or forgetfulness.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual the diagnosis of adhd in adulthood therapist will recommend medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of class material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.