Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important 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 the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders 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 -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It is often a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, like 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 find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over 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, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in adult diagnosis of adhd the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest medication. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.