Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their 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 evaluate the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. adult adhd diagnosis uk is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an 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 is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.


Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. 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 another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.