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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships.

However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of 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 at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for 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 testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.

A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful and 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing 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 settings. 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 providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

adhd diagnose

Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

A solid support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.





Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or give an explanation of class material.

Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.