Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family friend to gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt 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 in getting an diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances 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, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational 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 automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD 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 medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning how do i get an adhd diagnosis abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.