Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect 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 related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests 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 conduct interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complicated.
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 set to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas 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 as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as 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 a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the adhd diagnosis patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.