Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
adhd diagnosis uk adults may not even be aware they have 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 work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request 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 determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues are more complicated.
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 be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or in 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.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from 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 towards receiving a diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from 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 because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.
Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.
