10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.
However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful 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 get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.
Treatment
If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.
The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.
In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.
During adhd diagnosis uk adults is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.
If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-confidence.
A strong support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. Therapists 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 can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.
The therapist will also teach you how to cope with 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 can 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 might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.