Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed 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 be co-occurring with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's often a relief to learn that their problems are not simply laziness or forgetfulness.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IamPsychiatry 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. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for IamPsychiatry their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over the years.

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

In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend treatment. In some cases, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem.

Counseling is a great method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, iampsychiatry they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.