Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Is A Must At A Minimum, Once In Your Lifetime
Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Is A Must At A Minimum, Once In Your Lifetime
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders 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 the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the 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 people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one 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 required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps add diagnosis as an adult to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.