Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as 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 psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief discover that the issues are not simply laziness 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 need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms going untreated.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like 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 also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. getting a adhd diagnosis 's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.