Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must 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 may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues 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 require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as 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 and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or 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 in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend treatment. In some cases, the therapist will ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.