Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

It can be difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed private adhd diagnosis can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the 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 is open about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD anxiety, which 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 thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. 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 aren't simply due to 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or Adult Diagnosis of ADHD in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They may inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.

Additionally, the therapist can 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 to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.