Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves.
Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.