Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is 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 collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
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When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They may ask about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. 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 example, they might permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form 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. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.