Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and 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 help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have substance abuse problems.