Are ADHD Adult Diagnosis The Best Thing There Ever Was?
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday 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 may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't just due to inattention 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms going untreated.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have substance abuse problems.
