Its History Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Its History Of ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work as well as with family members 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 needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and result in better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of more info counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.