Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. 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 co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family friend to help them get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 people receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication adult diagnosis for adhd used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
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, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.