Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD, 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 describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about 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. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find out that their issues are not simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required 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 regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their symptoms not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards finding out if you have a diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or diagnosed adhd sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary 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 may also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.