Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or Adult Diagnosis of ADHD because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.

To diagnose adhd diagnosis for adults to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their 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 other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. 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 diagnosing adhd in adults such as depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them gather more information.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex.

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 established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. 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.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD 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 a different type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of classroom material.

In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.