Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
One may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It is often a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home 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 positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, 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 getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order 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. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like 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're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. adhd uk diagnosis is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.