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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not be aware that 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 brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can 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 help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential for adhd Adult diagnosis improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly 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)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to adhd Adult diagnosis. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your adhd diagnosis uk through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with substance abuse.
