Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
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 environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find out that their issues are not simply inattention 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process diagnosis of adhd of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
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 is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have substance abuse problems.