Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complex.
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 treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses 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 friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can how can i get diagnosed with add cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with someone with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.