Why You'll Want To Learn More About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Why You'll Want To Learn More About ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, 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 utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive examination. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
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 similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment during the evaluation, read more the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.