Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to find out that their issues are not simply lazyness 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded 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 alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it 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 a different type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During diagnosing adhd in adults uk ADHD Diagnosis during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will 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 can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.