Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.

It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause Adhd Diagnosis uk symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to laziness 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms being ignored.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to receiving an assessment. They can ask questions about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an 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 negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or adhd diagnosis Uk at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves.

A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their adhd diagnosis for adults. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from adhd adult diagnosis typically suffer from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.