Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.

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

Symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.

A mental health professional will review and interview 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 the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. 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 a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from Adhd Adult Diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to understand how to get diagnosed with adhd to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and Adhd adult diagnosis imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and adhd adult Diagnosis supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.

In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.