Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. 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 mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems 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 individuals get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They may ask about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. adhd diagnoses ADHD Diagnosis like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.