Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply laziness or forgetfulness.
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 established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like 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 a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history here to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications 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 checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. 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 make accommodations for your situation. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have substance abuse problems.