Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, 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 different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues are more complex.
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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They may ask about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. website These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate 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 modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.
In addition 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 to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.