Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.

However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.

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 recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of diagnosing adhd in adults worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to laziness 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 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 a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed.

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

During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.

During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or Adhd Adult Diagnosis therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from Adhd adult Diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.

The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate 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 addiction to drugs.