Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to laziness 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions which could trigger 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 fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This allows 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 to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. adult adhd diagnosis uk -behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various 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 that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.