Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. 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 disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend to collect more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. 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 in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common 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 over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. 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, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues get more info with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.