Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
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. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or 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.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
The first step in getting a 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 condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and adhd diagnosis adults 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 help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known 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 throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.