Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to help them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues are not simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in adhd diagnosis for adults liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual 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 suggest treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.