Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD 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 kind of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
Having a good 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 interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
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. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.