Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist 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 psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 receive the assistance and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed check here during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard 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 capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. 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.