Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with 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 strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications 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 may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like 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're having trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.