Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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 set to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During adhd diagnosis adults may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.