Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider 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 could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious; 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. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying 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 drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. 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)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing here to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.