Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many providers 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
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They may inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various 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 type adhd diagnosis uk of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with 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 also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.