Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives 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.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine 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 may ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the 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 established to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
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When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with 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 is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and can lead to better, 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 an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.
Additionally, the therapist can 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 to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.