Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss 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 do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school 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 needed for children under age 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider 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
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient more info to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.