Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be used 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 may require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable 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. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are website similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many 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 doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, 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 request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost self-confidence.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.