Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish 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 require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to help them get more details.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply laziness 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 established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different 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 medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely read more to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will suggest medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.

In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and could also have issues with substance abuse.