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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.

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

Signs and symptoms

The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.

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 different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief learn that their problems 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have 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 in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may relieve the anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues not being addressed.

The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.





In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. They might, for example permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of the material in class.

The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.