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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and 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 the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't simply 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 designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. IamPsychiatry might inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants such as 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 the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete standard 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) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures 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 even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. 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.