3 Ways In Which The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Influences Your Life
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.
Signs and symptoms
It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.
The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms 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 as a pill or liquid.
The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.
If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
diagnosis adhd can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.