Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with adhd diagnosis adults uk private experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family friend to help them get more details.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to lazyness 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 adults hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, like at home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.

The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and do an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who know the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.

In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.