Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like your spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief 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 help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.