Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to getting a diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

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 commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate 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 modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances, the click here therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.

A strong support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.

The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.