Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.
Symptoms
A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential 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 connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities 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. Additionally the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor 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.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Often, https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.
img width="372" src="
">
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 require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over time.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview a spouse or partner. 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 which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.
In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn 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 depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.
![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
