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 have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. 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 as well as financial difficulties.
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 be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to gather more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing 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 require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed 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 health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating 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 another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many 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 a different kind of medication that works by reducing 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 in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized how do you get a diagnosis of adhd ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.
In addition the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.