Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like your spouse or a close family member to collect more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school 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 younger than 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many 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 type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from 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 an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. adhd diagnosis adult uk for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.