Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Adult Diagnosis That Aren't Always True
Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Adult Diagnosis That Aren't Always True
Blog Article
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and 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 who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. 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 that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.
In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.
Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar here symptoms.
During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.
Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material.
The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.