Test: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis?
Test: How Much Do You Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis?
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in several settings, including school, home, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with the start of a career, website or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will recommend treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. 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 substance abuse.