Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend to help them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief learn that their problems aren't simply due to lazyness 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 help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists 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 a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. adhd uk diagnosis will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.