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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial problems.

A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

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

If a psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others like a spouse or close family member to get more details.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply inattention 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 help and treatment 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 multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying adhd get diagnosed. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms being ignored.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request to speak with the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual.

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 used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

When treating adult patients with ADHD The doctor or therapist will review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This review is important because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Being Diagnosed Adhd is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem.

A strong 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 behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For example, they might permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to get diagnosed add to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.