Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
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The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial 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 determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems are more complex.
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. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview 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 prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into 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 might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have substance abuse problems.