Why Is ADHD Adult Diagnosis So Popular?

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

However it can be a challenge to establish a diagnosis because symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests.

Symptoms

The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, such as problems with relationships and financial problems.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

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

If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the individual’s performance and issues.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others — typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details 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 the behaviors they believed to be “normal”. It is often a relief knowing that they’re not just lazy 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 people receive the help and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at minimum a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.

A good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms going untreated.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one’s ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn’t feasible the therapist may ask colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person.

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, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, 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 to develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as 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 doctor or therapist will review the person’s family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person’s life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances, a therapist may ask the patient’s partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It’s also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves.

Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how do you diagnose adhd in adults to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material.

In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how long does it take to get diagnosed with adhd to better interact with someone with adhd diagnosis private and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse that can cause more symptoms.