Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
To diagnose ADHD, I Am Psychiatry will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that 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 psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't just 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 people receive the treatment and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and do physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different 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 medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual they will recommend treatment. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have substance abuse problems.