Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will assess the patient and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

One may not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and 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 ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It is often a relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed 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 care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

Medications are the main treatment 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, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of 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 decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient in more info order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since 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 evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.