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For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.
However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests.
Symptoms
A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or Adhd Adult diagnosis perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.
A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.
The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.
If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.
Diagnosis
Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems 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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, such as home, school or work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.
A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.
Treatment
When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.
In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.
Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.
Medication
Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.
When treating adult adhd diagnosis patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are 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. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.
During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.
If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.
A solid support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses.
Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend 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. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.
The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.
