Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an assessment. They may ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble adhd adult diagnosis like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult adhd diagnosis patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and can lead to healthier, adult diagnosis of ADHD more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.