Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just lazy 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available 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 decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist get more info might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.