Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach 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 ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's usually 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as 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 improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD read more are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.