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Adult ADHD Diagnosis

For some who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step to get treatment. They may be frustrated at work, at homes or in their social life due to symptoms such as fidgeting or ignoring things.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD typically undergo an extensive evaluation that includes interviewing them and their families, and using standardized tests. It usually includes a physical examination, too.

Symptoms

For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help adults understand why they've struggled for so long and make sense of their previous choices. It can also inspire them to look forward to an improved future. If you're having trouble finding your keys, feeling that you can never finish your work or being labeled as irresponsible or lazy, obtaining an assessment is the first step toward finding the treatment that works for you.

For most adults, symptoms manifest in different areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area than another. They might be irritable and impulsive in school, but have trouble keeping up at work. They may not remember to keep appointments or underestimate the time required to complete their work. They may have trouble making friends or engage in frequent disputes with their spouses. If the problems are serious, they can interfere with daily life and lead to depression or anxiousness.

It's important to diagnose ADHD, but it's also important to identify other factors may be contributing to symptoms. Stress, other mental health conditions and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. To ensure that the underlying issue is addressed, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is required.





Adults who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Hyperactivity is less obvious and is manifested as fidgeting or a difficulty in sitting. Women with ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms since they are more able to conceal their inattention at work and in social life.

During an assessment, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and look at the ways in which their ailments affect their daily routine. They will also ask about family history and, should they be able to ask a family member their perspectives on childhood behavior. They might also conduct neuropsychological, psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some instances it might be necessary to undergo an examination of the body to rule out specific illnesses which can mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD.

Diagnosis

Adults who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is particularly important if the problems are connected to school or work. Primary care providers can refer individuals to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessments and treatment. They should be able to share details about their training level and experience working with adults with ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani warns that anyone who is reluctant to provide such information should be viewed as suspicious.

A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing diagnosis. For I Am Psychiatry , it provides an explanation for years of frustrations and self-criticism. Others feel a sense relief that there's an explanation for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives, or that their struggles were not just "in their heads."

In the majority of cases, an adult with ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive interview with a certified professional. This includes a thorough examination of the person's personal, family and medical history. Additionally, the specialist will likely ask the person to rate their behaviors using one or more of the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have the disorder.

The person will also be asked how the symptoms impact their lives. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.

People who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD often have coexisting conditions, called co-morbidities. Common comorbidities associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities result from maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the frustrations associated with untreated ADHD.

It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it may be difficult for people who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and the impact they have on males and females. Women can also be capable of masking their symptoms better, which can result in an incorrect diagnosis or delay in obtaining a diagnosis.

Treatment

It can be beneficial for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to consult an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult behavior strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, work or school. They can also assist the adult to understand the reasons behind their behavior and what triggers it.

A mental health professional should take a thorough look at an adult's health because they may have other disorders similar to ADHD. This can include a detailed description of the scale and the forms filled out by the patient or other individuals who know him/her along with a family and psychiatric history as well as an extensive physical examination.

A thorough examination is important for determining whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also perform cognitive or neuropsychological testing to look at how the brain functions and to determine the cause of the problems, such as a learning disability or physical illness.

Adults with ADHD are typically treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and deal with the emotional baggage that comes with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can tackle the effects that stressors have on an individual's abilities to perform.

Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This kind of therapy gives you the opportunity to meet people who face similar issues and discuss strategies to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically organized by an advocacy or support group.

Many adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by medication. There are many medications that include stimulants (such as methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin) that increase levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) help regulate moods and decrease impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to discuss all of your treatment options with you.

Support

Adults with ADHD might have the disorder for years without even realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges like not remembering appointments, making rash mistakes at work or breaking family or friendship commitments can cause them to seek an evaluation. People often feel relieved when they are given a diagnosis.

A mental health professional is able to conduct an evaluation for ADHD, but an primary care physician is usually a good place to start. The doctor may also refer the patient to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist may be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans have professionals by specialty and can help people find an expert in health care who is experienced in ADHD in adults.

During the assessment the mental health professional will ask about the person's past problems and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is essential to be honest and open during the evaluation, so that the mental healthcare professional can make an accurate assessment.

Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, can help people manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people specific techniques to alter their thinking patterns and behaviors. The combination of therapy and medication can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder.

Many adult ADHD patients benefit from social support groups. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who are experiencing similar issues can provide a lot of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are accessible on the internet and are open to anyone suffering from ADHD. Some groups are geared towards specific populations such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples who are affected by the disorder, or people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian.

Some people may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment over their symptoms, which can hinder their willingness to seek help. However, a doctor must explain that ADHD is not an indication of insufficiency or failure.