Seven Reasons Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Is Important
Seven Reasons Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Is Important
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of 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 could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive examination. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting an assessment. They may ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in 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 reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you adhd uk diagnosis build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as 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 trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and could also have substance abuse problems.