20 Reasons Why ADHD Adult Diagnosis Cannot Be Forgotten > 문의하기

Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

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

It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests.

Symptoms

One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or working caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties.

A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information about the individual's behavior.

A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family members or friends, or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment on adults.

Treatment

When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments not being addressed.

The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to adhd diagnosis for adults. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms.

In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person.

Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people have found that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. 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 a different type of medication, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances, the therapist will ask the person's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance recognize the reason for their difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and increase self-esteem.

Counseling is a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of the material in class.

In addition the therapist will help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.