3 Ways That The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Will Influence Your Life
3 Ways That The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Will Influence Your Life
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish 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 other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family member to gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief find out that their issues are not simply inattention 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as 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)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination during the evaluation, the diagnosis for adhd in adults patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build self-confidence.
A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.