Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.


However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

The person might not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

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

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

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems 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 receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in several environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years.

The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

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

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms 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 liquid or pill form.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a method of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and could also have substance abuse problems.