Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like your spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief to find out that their issues are not simply 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 assistance 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 including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
get diagnosed with adhd to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.