Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person 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 college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other get more info medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, 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 comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.