Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

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 brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

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

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of adhd self diagnosis are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults adhd diagnosis, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief discover that the issues aren't just 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 people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A add diagnosis as an adult can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person well.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as 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 also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help 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 have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to assess 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 affect a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists 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 assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist will 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 into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with adhd diagnosis test often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.