Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved check here one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available in 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 is available in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.