Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and 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, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues are not simply lazyness or forgetfulness.
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 help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. adult adhd diagnosis uk may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to getting an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as 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 activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-confidence.
Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.