Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders 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 functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from 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 another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve read more psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.