Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information 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 believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to laziness 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family, 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 required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. 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 norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or get more info irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great 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 which rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with substance abuse.