Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis 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.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests 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. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues are not simply 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 designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends or in 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 health care provider can help you identify 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
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. get more info These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
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 can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.