Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They can inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may 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 people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost self-confidence.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For adhd diagnosis uk adults , they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.