Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree 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 to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems aren't simply due to lazyness 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.