Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply lazyness or forgetfulness.
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 that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many doctors 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 will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in getting an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
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 like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it 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 a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can get more info also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend medication. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.