What Is It That Makes ADHD Adult Diagnosis So Popular?

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. 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 may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work; with friends or family or in 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.

enquiry  with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They can finally find some answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments going untreated.

The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

In many instances the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the individual.

Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases brain activity in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of 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, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills.

If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.

Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of the material in class.

Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.