Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
adhd diagnosis uk adults can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't simply 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When those with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their symptoms not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who know the person well.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance 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 is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.