Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
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 analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It is often a 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 receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
adult adhd diagnosis uk with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using 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 can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.