Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.

However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others like the spouse or a close family member to get more details.

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious and 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 get the support and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or work with family or friends, or 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.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their symptoms being ignored.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This allows the non adhd private diagnosis spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. 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), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves.

A strong support system is crucial to success and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have diagnosing adhd in adults to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.