Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as 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 the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention 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 help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to getting a diagnosis. They may inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who know 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 commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of private adhd diagnosis are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your adhd diagnosis private. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.