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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, adhd in adults diagnosis may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues 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 require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit 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 in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They may ask about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and 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 another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD 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 reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like 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 impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. Therapists 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 recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.
