Is ADHD Adult Diagnosis The Most Effective Thing That Ever Was
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of adult adhd of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; 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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate 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 a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms going untreated.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis for adhd in adults is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different 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 a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult diagnosis for adhd patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of class material.
In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.
