Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply due to laziness 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 that has been established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.