5 Lessons You Can Learn From ADHD Adult Diagnosis

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will describe the symptoms and adult diagnosis of ADHD how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is essential that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 receive the assistance and treatment they require. 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 multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over time.

The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the person to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and guanfacine, (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

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

Counseling

Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis for adhd in adults. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or 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 vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral strategies. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like 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're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For example, they might allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of classroom material.

In addition, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.