Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a 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 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 like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems are more complex.
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 require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers 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 can change drastically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets 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.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. adult adhd diagnosis uk can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.