ADHD Adult Diagnosis: The Secret Life Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
ADHD Adult Diagnosis: The Secret Life Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician may request 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 moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't just 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over time.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can 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 check lists as along with psychological tests to 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 a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to diagnosis adhd adults coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.