Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief learn that their problems are not simply inattention 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 hyperactivity-impulsivity. This is a standard established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12.

Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.

The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD 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 throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

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

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence.

Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and Adhd Adult Diagnosis imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.

The therapist will also show you how to manage Adhd adult diagnosis through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has private adhd diagnosis. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.