Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to 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 require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum 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. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They can inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.
The main treatment is medication. 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 such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like 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 even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.