Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't just 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 people receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
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If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. 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 improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because certain 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 also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.