Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or work, with friends or family or 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 healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various 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 another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also 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 can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. ADHD Diagnosis can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.