Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also important 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 the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support 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, including school, home or work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers routinely 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 get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their ailments being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask adhd diagnosis adult about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly 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 drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize 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 alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest treatment. In some cases the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.