Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't just 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication is a drug that works by reducing 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 factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you here how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.