Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause 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 particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
adhddiagnosis is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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 set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with 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 commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have substance abuse problems.