Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis of adhd in adults. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend to help them gather more information.

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. The private diagnosis of adhd gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed.

The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might 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 may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who know the person well.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.

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

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as 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 liquid or pill form.

When treating adult patients with adhd symptoms for diagnosis The doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.

A solid support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.

In addition the therapist will 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 behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to get diagnosed with adhd in adults to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.