Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open 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 are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, 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 impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important 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 specialist or physician following an extensive 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 may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply due to lazyness 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For adhd diagnosis uk adults who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their ailments being ignored.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in receiving an assessment. They may inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.