Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

It is also important for adult diagnosis of ADHD the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks 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 aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get adhd diagnosis an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like mood disorders and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". 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, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12.

A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might 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 people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD get adhd diagnosis relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.