Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as 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 impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to help them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. how to diagnose adhd , like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.