Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. 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 might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to laziness 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 treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in 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 shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to 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 behavior and attention. more info Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another 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 psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.