The Next Big New ADHD Adult Diagnosis Industry
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.
It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.
Symptoms
A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.
In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult I Am Psychiatry may ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.
Diagnosis
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.
A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.
Treatment
When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.
The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.
During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with 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 symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.
The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.
During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.
If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will recommend medication. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.
Counseling can be a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.
Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavioral 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. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.