(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.
However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.
Signs and symptoms
The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.
To determine the presence of 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 different environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like a spouse or close family friend to gather more information.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be “normal” behavior. It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't just due to laziness or forgetfulness.
The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria for adhd in adults 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 help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues not being diagnosed with adhd in adulthood addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's adhd adult diagnosis symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.
If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist believes adhd private diagnosis cost uk symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
A solid support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may 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, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.
Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.