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 they struggle in relationships, work, and family.

However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others such as the spouse or a close family friend to collect more information.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to lazyness 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 established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over time.

The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.


Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

diagnosing adhd report that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to talk about 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 like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Having a good support system is vital to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.