Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally, adult diagnosis of adhd might ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply inattention 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 get the support and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. 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 levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as 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 and 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 identify factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.