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Ten ADHD Adult Diagnosis Myths That Aren't Always The Truth
Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or due to the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including financial issues and relationship issues.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment.

The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine 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 like spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an accurate picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.


Diagnosis

Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others--usually the spouse or a close friend -- to provide more details about the individual's behavior.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious and 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in several situations, such as at school, home, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12.

A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over the years.

Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards getting an diagnosis. They may ask about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms.

During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as 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 can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can 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 may also cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. how to diagnose adult adhd will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Counseling is a great method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral strategies. A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses.

Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of the material in class.

Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.

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