Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know 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 help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the anxiety that could have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of here bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.