Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD 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 describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. 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 like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems aren't simply due to lazyness 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 people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize 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 medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from here ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material.
In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include 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 disorders like anxiety or depression and may struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.