Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. adhd uk diagnosis can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend to help them get more details.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues are not simply 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They can inquire about family history and 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 also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as 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 therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.