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 family, work and in relationships.

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

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to find out that their issues are not simply lazyness 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 individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues not being addressed.

The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like 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 and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that adhd adult diagnosis (click to find out more) medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.

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

During the evaluation the individual will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose 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 you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.