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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and diagnosis may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in several environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues going untreated.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have an assessment. They might ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

Adults with adhd adult diagnosis are treated primarily with medication. 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)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different 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 medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great method of helping you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or diagnosis psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavior-based interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

The therapist will also show you how to cope with diagnosing adhd in adults using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.