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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

One may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest 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 can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were "normal". It's often a relief to discover that the 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 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 diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to receiving an assessment. They may ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. 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 important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who know the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the examination it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. 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 making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them.  IamPsychiatry 's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves.

Counseling is a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.