Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, 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 discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders 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.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or adhd private diagnosis alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with 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. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
In addition 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 behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.