Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 individuals receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting an assessment. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to interview an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history 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 seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms more info of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.