Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. 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 be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends 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)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive check here relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.