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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who diagnosis adhd suffer from the condition. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important 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 be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to provide more details regarding the person's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't simply due to inattention 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 established to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people throughout their lives.

Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They might ask questions about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request 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 a diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine works by reducing the brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid.

When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual they will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how Get diagnosed with adhd to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide an explanation of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.