Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

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

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are get diagnosed with adhd with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to gather more information.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated.

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 treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and have caused 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 required for children younger than 12.

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

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their issues being diagnosed with adhd as an adult ignored.

The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult adhd adult diagnosis (related website). Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of 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 medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.

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

During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and result in better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This 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 someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.