Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Symptoms

A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.

To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different 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 should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness or adult diagnosis of ADHD 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 created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several settings, including school, home, or work with family or friends 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 younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their issues going untreated.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to adhd diagnosis for adults. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with adhd diagnosis for adults is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation 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 and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and result in healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.