Test: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis?
Adult Diagnosis of ADHDA diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive evaluation. 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 conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them gather more information.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
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 individuals get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships how to get adhd diagnosis or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, 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 lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with 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 is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements 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 complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.