20 Reasons Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Will Never Be Forgotten

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

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

If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details about the individual's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12.

Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step towards getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an assessment. They can ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and Adult Diagnosis of adhd behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and can lead to better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves.

Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.

In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.