Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. how to get diagnosed with adhd will finally have solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize 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 improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They might, for example let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.