Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous 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 particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor adhd uk diagnosis will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an 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 possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.