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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. adhd diagnostic www.iampsychiatry.uk care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply 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 receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, 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 aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt 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 may ask about family history and then conduct 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 ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.