Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to inattention or forgetfulness.
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 people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as 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 a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which helps adult diagnosis for adhd loved ones learn to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.