Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems aren't simply due to inattention 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 get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians 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
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as 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 reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or get more info therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of class material.
In addition, the therapist can 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 behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.