10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform 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 because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.
It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; 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 treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD 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 liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
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 talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and build self-confidence.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to diagnosing adhd in adults cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.