Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from 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, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, add diagnosis as an adult as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves.
A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. 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, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.