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https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment
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 work family and relationships However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other conditions A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic social and work lives Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties To diagnose ADHD a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review his or her personal medical and psychiatric history paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms and do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame The mental health professional should also determine if these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as neuropsychological disorders or psychological disorders further testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis These tests can also help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions In addition the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses siblings and coworkers in order to gather an accurate picture of the individuals performance and challenges Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after an extensive assessment This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities Additionally it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD such depression and anxiety Additionally the doctor may request to speak with significant others typically a spouse or close friendto help gather more information about the persons behavior Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a lifechanging event The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were normal Often it provides relief to know that theyre not just naive or forgetful their problems are more complicated The American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth edition DSM5 requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivityimpulsivity This standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they need To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments such as home school or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings For adults age 17 and older the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you to recognize ADHD Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults Treatment When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically They will finally have answers to their problems in school and also in establishing a career or even in relationships For certain people a diagnosis may relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their issues not being addressed Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step towards getting a diagnosis They might inquire about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD They can also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms During the process of assessment a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved ones ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms This is crucial to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses If this isnt possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications stimulants like methylphenidate Ritalinr and dextroamphetamine Adderallr are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD Other medications such as atomoxetine Stratterar and guanfacine Intunivr Tenexr increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD Psychotherapy is also an alternative Cognitivebehavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms such as time management and selfregulation of emotions and behavior and coping with negative feelings and selfcriticism Other therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive selftalk Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms This medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms It can be taken in immediaterelease tablets or as modifiedrelease tablets that release the medication throughout the day Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity It is available in liquid or pill form 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 necessary because some medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD In addition some supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms During the test the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning working memory abilities like planning and decisionmaking spatial and visual abilities and reasoning skills If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment In getting a adhd diagnosis might ask the persons spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier more productive relationships Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD Its a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues Its also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and increase confidence in themselves Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy or psychological therapy and a range of behaviorbased interventions A therapist could make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga Counseling can help people accept and understand their ADHD Its difficult to admit you have problems with planning organizing and paying attention It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD However the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your condition For instance they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed 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 helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems
