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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships.

However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.

Symptoms

The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough assessment. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always appeared to be "normal" behavior. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. 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 multiple settings, such as home, school or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old.

A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat adhd diagnosis in adults in children. They may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years.

The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who know the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with 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 help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

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

During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist may ask the person'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 reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to overcome negative habits and boost self-confidence.

Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also teach the patient how to get diagnosed with add as an adult to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give an explanation of class material.

In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to get diagnosed with adhd as a woman to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.