Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment 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 performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complex.
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. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help reduce blame click here between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how 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 can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.