Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the 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. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with 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, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as here making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles 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 can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.