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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important 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 must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make adhd adult diagnosis symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to 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 adhd adult diagnosis hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians 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

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.

The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process a doctor may ask to interview an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of adhd Adult diagnosis.

Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in 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 as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build self-esteem.

Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.

In addition the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can make their symptoms worse.