Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient’s medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get diagnosed with add a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of Adhd Adult Diagnosis is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others–usually a spouse or close friend–to assist in gaining more information about the person’s behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be “normal” behavior. It’s often a relief find out that their issues aren’t just due to inattention 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one’s ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn’t possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person’s family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like 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 assessment during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person’s quality of life they will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person’s partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient’s symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It’s an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It’s not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations 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 show you how do you get diagnosed with add to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.