Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open 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 other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and 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 is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and read more supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.