Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It is often a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and do physical examinations to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and 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 medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (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 seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive therapy how do you get an adhd diagnosis for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.