Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. 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)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD Diagnosis for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.