Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family member to gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention or forgetfulness.
adult adhd diagnosis uk 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 treatment and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete 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) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth 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 behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.