Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with diagnose adhd ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.