Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
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 make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their ailments being ignored.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and 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 kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may 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, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to 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 computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This how get diagnosed with adhd is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.