Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to learn that their problems 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the anxiety that could have built up over years of their ailments being ignored.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations uk adhd diagnosis to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also 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 could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have substance abuse problems.