Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from anxiety that could have built up over years of their symptoms going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD website like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with 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 drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing 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, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.