Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complex.
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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over time.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. how to diagnose adhd is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
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 factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost self-esteem.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve 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 could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand 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 confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better 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 issues with substance abuse.