Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and 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 testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them get more details.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.
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 get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have 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. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. 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 important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many 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 a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing 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 through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.