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 why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief discover that the issues are not simply 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 set to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and Adult Diagnosis Of Adhd they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from anxiety that could have built up over years of their symptoms being ignored.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as 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 norepinephrine levels in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various 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 another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition 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 with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.