Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If adult adhd diagnosis uk isn't possible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can 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 comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.