Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine 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 could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 people receive the treatment and support they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
how to get diagnosed with adhd
When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for 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 type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can 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. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. 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 can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.