Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted 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 could request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to collect more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences website for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.