Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not getting Diagnosed with Adhd with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and getting diagnosed with adhd how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them get more details.

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.

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 established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat adhd diagnosis for adults in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their issues being ignored.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an diagnosis. They may ask about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like 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 therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain 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 factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems getting diagnosed with adhd organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They might, for example let you write on computers instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material.

In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with addiction to drugs.