Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat 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 help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available in 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 that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. website For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.