Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including 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 mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish 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 such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful and 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 designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available 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 identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. adhd diagnoses for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.