Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional might 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 behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them get more details.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues are more complex.
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 get the support and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another 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 negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, check here such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD 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 another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as 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 some instances a therapist may request 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 reduce blaming between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.