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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.

However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. undiagnosed adhd - understanding, can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric 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 their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

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

If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and colleagues, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend -- to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious and 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 is a standard set to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, including school, home or work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the patient to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their adhd diagnosis private symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

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

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class.

In addition the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.