Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to identify because symptoms can overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and perform tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that a person does not realize they have diagnosing adhd until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

A mental health professional will interview and review 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 affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.

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

If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an accurate picture of the person's functioning and challenges.

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 about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others, usually a spouse or close friend--to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of adhd diagnosis as an adult in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief to find oe understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like 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 find that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly 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 another kind of medicine works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist 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 comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to confess that you have ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material.

Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with someone with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.