10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships.

However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work 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 review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for 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 tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful and their issues 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in several situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They might finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over the years.

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

In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

diagnosing adhd with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely 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 may help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.


Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial, since some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves.

A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.