Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't 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 time or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and 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 help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances 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 step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. school performance and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.