Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and not hold back due to 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 interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to laziness 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
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 any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. adult adhd diagnosis uk will help decrease blame between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.