Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If adult adhd diagnosis uk or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to 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 help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends, 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 care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with substance abuse.