15 Things You Didn't Know About 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 to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of 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 the patient is honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complex.
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 receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adults like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. 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 modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal 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 can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.