Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced 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 degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complicated.
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 need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine 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
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They may inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate 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, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets 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 history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. getting a diagnosis for adhd and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards 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.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.