Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.
adult adhd diagnosis uk is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to help them get more details.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.
Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as 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 medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies 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, help adults identify the 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. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest treatment. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to better, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This 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 who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.