For adults who struggle with adhd in adults diagnostic criteria the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient’s medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open 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 comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with adhd diagnosis adult like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were “normal”. It’s often a relief discover that the issues aren’t just due to lazyness 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 that has been established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible 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 work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.
A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine 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
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have built up over years of their ailments going untreated.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one’s ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after add diagnosis in adults. If this isn’t an option, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. 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)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may request the patient’s partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It’s also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.