Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and 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 symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with 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 could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family member to help them collect more information.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For adhd adult diagnosis many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, Adhd Adult diagnosis a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult adhd diagnosis adults. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

In addition the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for adhd Adult Diagnosis can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.