Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and 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 other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others like your spouse or a close family friend to gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build self-confidence.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.