Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If diagnosing adhd in adults uk or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply laziness 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 need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
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 like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
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 admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.