10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to collect more information.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't simply due to 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.
The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative website behaviors and increase self-esteem.
Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct 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 comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.
The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.