The Next Big New ADHD Adult Diagnosis Industry
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis for adhd in adults of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how to get diagnosed with adhd they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic 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 disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful; 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over time.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like 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 help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and adult diagnosis of ADHD coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, 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 certain instances the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and adult diagnosis of ADHD help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.
