Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated click here primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. 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 also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and 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 a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build self-confidence.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They might, for example let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.