Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as 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 with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to gather more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving an assessment. They may inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate 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 doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD 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 is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. Iam Psychiatry can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.