Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them get more details.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues are not simply 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate 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, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive add diagnosis in adults behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide 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 is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.