Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. ADHD Diagnosis can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to help them get more details.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It 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 can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.