Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get adhd diagnosis a complete picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues 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. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. 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 norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause 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 it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or Adhd adult diagnosis liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual 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 therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for Adhd Adult Diagnosis example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of class material.

Additionally the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for adhd adult diagnosis can also include family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with addiction to drugs.