Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life 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 establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the person's behavior.

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't just 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.

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

In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as adhd diagnosis as an adult modified-release tablets 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 liquid or pill form.

When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.

A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation 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 structured type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.