Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In adhd diagnosis uk adults , the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the guilt that has built up over years of their ailments being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken 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 liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.