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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships.

However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues 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 various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex.

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 assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is qualified to perform an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues going untreated.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

During the assessment process, a doctor may ask to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and increase 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 behavioral interventions. Therapists may make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes consequences for negative behaviors. The therapist can gp diagnose adhd teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches loved ones how to get adhd diagnosis for adults to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.