Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to gather more information.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides 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 have caused significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize 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 lives can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and 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 another kind of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.