Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to learn that their problems 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting an assessment. They might ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies check here for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.