15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD Adult Diagnosis

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family.

However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply 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 individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored.

The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to interview the spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person well.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various 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 type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive a diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Having a good support system is essential for success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

In  ADHD Diagnosis  can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.