Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It is often a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as 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 is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may 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 complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with adhd diagnosis as an adult attention or planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.