Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to 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 have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. 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 functioning.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or adult diagnosis of ADHD in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis for adhd in adults can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They might inquire about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient 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 assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like 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 also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.

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

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD boost self-esteem.

A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.