Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of 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 different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief discover that the 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
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 be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.