Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, 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.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist 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 a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication 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 behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual they will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
adhd uk diagnosis can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.