3 Ways That The ADHD Adult Diagnosis Can Affect Your Life

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

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

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. 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 relationship issues and financial difficulties.

In order to diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is open about the symptoms, and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might require an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an accurate picture of the individual's performance and challenges.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the person's behavior.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed were "normal". It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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 people receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five.

A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their symptoms being ignored.

The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly 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 aid in the treatment of ADHD.

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

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD.  diagnose adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry  is necessary because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem.

Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. 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 comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety and may struggle with substance misuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.