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, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about the symptoms,
Adhd Adult Diagnosis and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks 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 aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to inattention 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their symptoms being ignored.
Talking to a mental health specialist or
Adhd adult diagnosis health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.
Medicines are the primary 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 may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. 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 negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that
adhd diagnosis uk adults medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The 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 commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely be asked to describe their adhd adult diagnosis (
online) symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD.
