Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work 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 problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to inattention 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance 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 be causing significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available 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 reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to get diagnosed with adhd foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.