Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. 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 work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely 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 option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of 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 works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-confidence.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a check here variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.