Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as 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 special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others like the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complex.
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 require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed 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 determine ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. diagnosing adhd in adults may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing 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 determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.