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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not realize they have 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 working made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.





The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the individual'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 always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several settings, including school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from anxiety that could have built up over years of their symptoms going untreated.

The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded 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. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, 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 certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. diagnosing adhd will help reduce blame between people and can lead to better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves.

Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform 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 enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have substance abuse problems.