3 Ways The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Influences Your Life
3 Ways The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Influences Your Life
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.
Signs and symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member to help them get more details.
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to laziness 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 get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, 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 that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors 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 may change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their symptoms going untreated.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like 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 a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets 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 background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.
During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest treatment. In some cases the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence.
Having a good support system is vital to success, here and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.