adult adhd diagnosis 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, in their family and in their relationships.

However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they thought were "normal". Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; 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 individuals receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six needed for children under age 12.

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

Treatment

When people with Adhd adult diagnosis receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their issues not being addressed.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and do physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, Adhd Adult diagnosis learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family history of the adult diagnosis of adhd patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and learn how to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-confidence.

Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.

Additionally the therapist will 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 may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.