Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often 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 are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted 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 may also ask to interview others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify 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 to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes website punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours 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 problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.