Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important 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 related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function 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 person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion 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 anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as a spouse or close family friend to collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't simply due to 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 receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate 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 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.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales adhd diagnosis in adults and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. 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.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.