10 Quick Tips To ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional 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 adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive examination. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought 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 care and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms going untreated.
I Am Psychiatry in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as 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 with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.