Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful and 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to adult diagnosis of adhd discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.