Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful 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 help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. 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, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of 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 another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.