Five Things You're Not Sure About About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Five Things You're Not Sure About About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to lazyness 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 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 situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an assessment. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to interview a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who diagnosed with adhd are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as 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 helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend 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 self-confidence.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.