Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply inattention or forgetfulness.
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 receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home 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 needed for children under age 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. adhd diagnosis uk adults allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist will help you cope 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 family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.