The History Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHDFor adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a 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 event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex.
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 people get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly 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 the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded 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 to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication diagnosis of adhd in adulthood works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.