Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive get more info ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.