Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from 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 different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their 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.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. getting a adhd diagnosis involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. 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. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or 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 be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and 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 helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can help you 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 may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.