Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Symptoms

A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

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

If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is functioning.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information regarding the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not simply naive or oblivious and their issues 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 require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They may finally have explanations for failures in school or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments not being addressed.

The first step to get an diagnosis is it worth getting an adhd diagnosis speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask 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 assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

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

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

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from adhd in adults diagnostic criteria is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses.

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 can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on a computer instead of paper or give a more detailed explanation of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of therapy that assists you in changing negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.