Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.

However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.

Symptoms

One may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.

To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment in function 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 coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues are not simply inattention 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their symptoms not being addressed.

The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances, the doctor adult diagnosis of ADHD will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and 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 over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.

Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to get diagnosed with adhd to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from adhd diagnosis adults and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.