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 family, work and in relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; their issues are more complex.
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 designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their issues going untreated.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an assessment. They can ask questions about family history and do physical examinations to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly 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 help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many diagnosing adhd people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of 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 can be taken in pill or liquid form.
When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as 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 is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors 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 suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.