For Whom Is ADHD Adult Diagnosis And Why You Should Care
For Whom Is ADHD Adult Diagnosis And Why You Should Care
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.
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 life and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the issues are not simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with 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 may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. 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 recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve here problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.