Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to inattention 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 designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis , like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in various 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 type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. 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 understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.