Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also 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 like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family member to get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just lazy 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a check here physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), 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 help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as 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 believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed 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 discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with substance abuse.