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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member to get more details.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply laziness 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 standard is created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people over time.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting a diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and do an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and checklist compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. 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)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the private adult adhd diagnosis patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.

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

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will recommend treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This will help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into 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 with ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.