Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd they struggle in work, family and relationships.

However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.

Symptoms

One may not even be aware they have adhd diagnosis in adults until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can 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, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers to get a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family member to collect more information.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It is often a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complex.

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 designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues being ignored.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an assessment. They may ask questions about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-adhd adult diagnosis (more..) spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the 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 as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) 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 may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual'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

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how get diagnosed with adhd to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how are adults diagnosed with adhd to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.