Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life 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 suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". 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 require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
iampsychiatry.uk find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or 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 type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.