Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.

However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make adhd diagnosis adults symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional may 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 behavior and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12.

A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the person.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various 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, another type of medicine, works by decreasing 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 to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or Adult Diagnosis of ADHD she will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct 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 comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.

Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.