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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about these symptoms, and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD 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 related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment 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 the person is doing.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information.

Being getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to discover that the issues are not simply 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 set to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work with family members or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12.

A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes 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 prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual they will suggest treatment. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a method of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.