Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply 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 people receive the care and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school or work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like 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)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it 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 type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for how to get diagnosed with adhd ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.