Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
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 discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complicated.
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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings including school, home or work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians 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 get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They may ask about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in 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 activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In adult adhd diagnosis uk , the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will help you 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 can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.