Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems 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 individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to receiving an diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar diagnosing adhd in adults symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.