Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, 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 aren’t diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient’s medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend — to help gather more information about the individual’s behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be “normal” behavior. It’s usually a relief to learn that their problems aren’t simply due to 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide 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 enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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 the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult adhd diagnosis northern ireland patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual’s spouse or partner to interview them regarding the impact of the patient’s symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It’s a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn how to get adult adhd diagnosis to overcome them. It’s also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for Adhd Adult Diagnosis could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to get an adult adhd diagnosis to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. 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 substance abuse problems.