Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor 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 issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues 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. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from 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 the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.