Five Essential Qualities Customers Are Searching For In Every ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
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 be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and 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 like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion 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 anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. how to get diagnosed with adult adhd will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults 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 understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties 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 yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.