Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It is often a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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 set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest 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 symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.