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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships. However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial issues. 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 describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to help them gather more information. A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complex. 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults. When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues being ignored. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to getting an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and 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 is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs. During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures. Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs. |
