Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD 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 environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend to get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In adult adhd diagnosis uk , certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual they will suggest medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques 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 can be difficult to admit that you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.