Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of 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, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. 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 occur with 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 gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't simply due to laziness 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 need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate 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 as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (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 seriously impairing the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding 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 find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.