Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive examination. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to discover that the 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. Iam Psychiatry can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the 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 towards those symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.
Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They might, for example let you write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.