Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial 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 can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family friend to help them get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complicated.
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 designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely 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 people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better 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 can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. 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)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in 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 activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend treatment. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. visit your url for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.