Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". 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 that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like 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 also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various 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 kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may 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 talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to 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 suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.