Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments being ignored.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
adhd diagnosis adults is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.