Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and 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 linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to inattention 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. adhd diagnosis uk adults may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.