Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Adult Diagnosis That Aren t Always True

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.

It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them get more details.

A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief find out that their issues are not simply laziness 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to getting a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from diagnosing adhd in adults, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life, he or she will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.

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 you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.