Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to get more details.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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 levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as 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 works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In some instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For example, a therapist may make 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 such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and read more paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.