Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Having a good support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.