This Story Behind ADHD Adult Diagnosis Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!
This Story Behind ADHD Adult Diagnosis Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as 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.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in several situations, such as at home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known 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 works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead here of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.