Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important 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 be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. 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 a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude read more toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.