Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those 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 establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
One may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. adult adhd diagnosis uk who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply due to 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 people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in getting an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders 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 suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. 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)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas 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 or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like 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 problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.