Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
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 different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't simply due to inattention 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 set to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to read more understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.