Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

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

Symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time 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 school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.

To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have built up over years of their ailments not being addressed.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This can help 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 isn't an option the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior Adult Diagnosis of ADHD and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized 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 abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.