Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues are more complicated.
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 people get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This allows 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 crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient add diagnosis adult on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.