Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels 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 will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They may inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be 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 that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. 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 the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as 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 assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.