Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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 people receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 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 care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an assessment. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily 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, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example 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're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. helpful site can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.