Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as 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 mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for 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 used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the individual's performance and issues.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of diagnosing adhd in adults in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.

The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and 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. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. 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 as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult adhd diagnosis patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and adult diagnosis of ADHD nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the 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) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.