Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities 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 ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to help them get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 set to ensure that individuals 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 including school, home or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They may ask about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from get more info ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
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 causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative 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 is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.