15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of 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 tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others such as your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as 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 also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority here of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For example, they might permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.