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 have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive evaluation. 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 issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to getting an assessment. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If diagnosis for adhd in adults is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of 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 decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. 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 provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have substance abuse problems.