Quiz: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. adhd diagnosis uk adults can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; 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 require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.