The Secret Life Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
The Secret Life Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, 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 degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the individual's performance and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive examination. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others like a spouse or close family member to gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear 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 website the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can also 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 that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.