Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
adhd diagnostic and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as a spouse or close family friend to get more details.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize 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 improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.