Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. adhd uk diagnosis 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 honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems are more complex.
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 diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may 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 assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. 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 assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
Having a good support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.