Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate 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 decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior adhd diagnosis in adult and increase self-esteem.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.