Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Adult Diagnosis That Aren't …

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family.

It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

One may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial issues.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in various environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment.

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

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

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others, such as your spouse or a close family friend to collect more information.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were "normal". It is often a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings such as home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult, their life can transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over time.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can 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 assessment. This assists 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 essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person well.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

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

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult adhd diagnosis patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.

During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and Adult Diagnosis of ADHD paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.

Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.