Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like a spouse or close family member, in order for them get more details.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief 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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to website learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.