Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically 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 comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. adult adhd diagnosis uk can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complex.
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 need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. stimulants like 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 help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.