Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues 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 created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If adhd diagnosing isn't possible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.