Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and do physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. adhd uk diagnosis is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient 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, and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.