Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and 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 comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues are more complex.
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 assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Medications are the main 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)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. 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.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend 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 confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.
