The Unspoken Secrets Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to lazyness 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 help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with adhd adult diagnosis get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with 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 devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or adult diagnosis of Adhd psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or Adult Diagnosis of ADHD meditative yoga postures.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.
