Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend to gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible 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 work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of 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 another kind of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. adhd uk diagnosis will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.