10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD 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 often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining iampsychiatry.uk with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize 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 medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak 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 relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.