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 understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
how to get a adhd diagnosis are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.