Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family member to help them collect more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the get diagnosed with adhd medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.