Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can help them adhd diagnosis for adults overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their issues being ignored.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. 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 an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with substance abuse.