Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important 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 connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to laziness 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 assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adhd diagnoses and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. 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 another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using 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 works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely explain 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 executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.