Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, 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 situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know 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 receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes 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 prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of 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 is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.