Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief discover that the issues are not simply 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 established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate 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 therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They could, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.