Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety 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 various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. 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 like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required 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 doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Resource
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as 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 is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known 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 medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with addiction to drugs.
