Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. adhd diagnosis adults includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or 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.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.