Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are link ed to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to inattention 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a 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. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They may ask about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct 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 comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have substance abuse problems.