Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated diagnosis adhd adults with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer 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 therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.