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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships.





However getting a adhd diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

The person might not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at 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 work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder.

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

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others -- typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior.

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful; their problems are more complicated.

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. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in getting an diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms 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 liquid or pill form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs.

During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material.

In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.