Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and adhd Adult Diagnosis anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, Adhd Adult Diagnosis and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others such as your spouse or a close family member to gather more information.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful and 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 treatment and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in several environments, such as home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

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

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate private adhd diagnosis symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps 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 commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms.

During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling is a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.

The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from adhd adult diagnosis often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.