Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at 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 numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to inattention 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 need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and 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, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like how to get diagnosed with adhd thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.