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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships.
It can be difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.
Symptoms
It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues.
To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to learn that their problems are not simply lazyness 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in multiple settings, including school, home or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.
Treatment
When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the guilt that has built up over years of their issues not being addressed.
Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.
Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist 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 techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and Adhd Adult Diagnosis learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.
During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.
A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.
Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your adhd adult Diagnosis (Kingranks.com). Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.
In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to get diagnosed with adhd to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.
