Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful; 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example let you write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral website therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.