Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.

However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. 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 about the person's behavior.

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply laziness 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 care and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in several settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12.

A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help determine ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.

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

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of the material in class.

Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with adhd adult diagnosis typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.