Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. Additionally, adhd diagnosis uk adults is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to get more details.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over time.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. adhd diagnosis uk adults allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.