Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview 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 life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
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. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a 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 to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. adhd diagnosis uk adults can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. adhd uk diagnosis is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.