5 Lessons You Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to laziness 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, including school, home or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They might inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout 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.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest treatment. In how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.