Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience 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 symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough 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 could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to laziness 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, 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 is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. adhd diagnosis uk adults for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.