Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
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 can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. 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 could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; their issues are more complex.
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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and 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, another type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In sell can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.