Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It's often a relief to find out that their 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 created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards getting a diagnosis. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop 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-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout here the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.