Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
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 psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It is often a relief to know 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. 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 several situations, such as at school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare 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
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If diagnose adhd in adults uk isn't possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist 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 have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
In addition 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 transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.