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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests.

Symptoms

One may not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also crucial 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 psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are Diagnosed Adhd with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD, such anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to get more details.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's often a relief to discover that the issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely 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

If people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over the years.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is important for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their adhd diagnosis for adults symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the examination, the individual will likely explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.

Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.