Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could 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 work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also includes 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 such as a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems are not simply inattention 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to receiving an diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to fill out a 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 an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, 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 lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the how to get a diagnosis for add activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial 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 may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.