Who Is ADHD Adult Diagnosis And Why You Should Be Concerned
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be used 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 like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's often a relief discover that the 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating 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 also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various 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 type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their 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 making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, read more and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.