15 Things You Don't Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; 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 receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their symptoms being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to getting an diagnosis. They may inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. adult adhd diagnosis uk is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms 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.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances, the therapist will request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.