Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, how to get diagnosed with adhd their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists to change 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 with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.