Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family friend to collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; their issues are more complex.
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 get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in several settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication 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 behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
get diagnosed with adhd or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.