Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious and 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 help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends, or 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.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be here 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 identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.