Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential 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 these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their symptoms being ignored.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD 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 a different type of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will recommend treatment. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.