Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If adhd uk diagnosis or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment 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 the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of 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 to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.