Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them get more details.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.

A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally find some answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible, 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 using 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 drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in various 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, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings how to get diagnosed add and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.

Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations 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 structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.