Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.

However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.

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

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to inattention 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 people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work with family members or friends or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. 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)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications website can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

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

Counseling

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

A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy 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 make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.