Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

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

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. 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 conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them collect more information.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief find out that their issues are not simply lazyness 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 treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several environments, such as school, home, or 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 good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over time.

The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many instances, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

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

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available 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 activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as 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 may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward here positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material.

In addition the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.