Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like the spouse or a close family member to get more details.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have built up over years of their symptoms being ignored.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with 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)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or 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 doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in 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, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like 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 have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They might, for example let you write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.