Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach 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 who are not treated for 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 conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. adhd uk diagnosis may also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as 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 as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give 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 helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.