Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
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 people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and do physical examinations to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
diagnosis for adhd in adults discover that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of 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 medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can 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 and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will recommend medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.