Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives 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 shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the 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 performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is essential to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
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)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed 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 learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.