Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

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

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's often a relief find out that their 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

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

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They may ask about family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after an assessment. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

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 widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling is a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to diagnosis for adhd in adults manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide 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 detailed explanations of classroom material.

The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.