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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.

Symptoms

A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and diagnosis their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional must 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 the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just lazy 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 designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over time.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in receiving an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. 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 improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating private adult adhd diagnosis ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.

Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.