Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to lazyness 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 set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
diagnosis of adhd with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize 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 can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various 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 a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They may, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have substance abuse problems.