Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. 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 mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just lazy 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers 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 lives can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to getting a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, 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 may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. iampsychiatry.com include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in 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 activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a method of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.