Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further 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 extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just 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 assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting an assessment. They can inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or 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.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can here lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.