Seven Reasons To Explain Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Is So Important
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. Additionally, how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their ailments being ignored.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They can ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.
The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.
Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.