Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. diagnosed with adhd as an adult can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as your spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. 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. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.