Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive 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 care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members 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 that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity adult diagnosis adhd of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better 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.