Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, 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 to function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex.
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 people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors regularly 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 life can drastically change. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms going untreated.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that adhd in adults diagnosis resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid 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 factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may 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 will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. 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 range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.