Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships.

However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

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

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It is often a relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues are more complex.

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 individuals receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.

The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis for adhd in adults is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by 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)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

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

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

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

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with Adhd adult diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, Adhd adult diagnosis which can make their symptoms worse.