Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems 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 environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently 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 feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They might finally have explanations adhd diagnosis in adults for failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create 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 like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.