Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
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It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems are not simply laziness 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 get the support and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from 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 members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their issues going untreated.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of 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 type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will recommend treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.