For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
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 evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient’s medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were “normal”. It’s often a relief find out that their 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one’s ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized adhd diagnosis uk adults ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It’s a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It’s an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior 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 enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have substance abuse problems.