Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or 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 untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family 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 required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an assessment. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken 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. getting an adhd diagnosis is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.