Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a 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". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just 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 receive the help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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 levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This get more info will help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.
In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.