Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to laziness 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. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it 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 another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques 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's not easy to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be adhd diagnosis in adulthood embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for 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 show you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.