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Diagnosing ADHD in an AdultDiagnosing an adult with ADHD is not easy. Yet it can bring a sense of relief. The individual will be able to get the help they need to overcome the problems they have had in their life. DiagnosingDiagnosing an adult with ADHD is not easy. Many times, when a child is diagnosed with the disorder, a parent will recognize that he or she has many of the same symptoms the child has and, for the first time, will begin to understand some of the traits that have given him or her trouble for years—distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness. Other adults will seek professional help for depression or anxiety and will find out that the root cause of some of their emotional problems is ADHD. They may have a history of school failures or problems at work. Often they have been involved in frequent automobile accidents. To be diagnosed with ADHD, an adult must have childhood-onset, persistent, and current symptoms. The accuracy of the diagnosis of adult ADHD is of utmost importance and should be made by a clinician with expertise in the area of attention dysfunction. For an accurate diagnosis, a history of the patient's childhood behavior, together with an interview with his life partner, a parent, close friend, or other close associate, will be needed. A physical examination and psychological tests should also be given. Comorbidity with other conditions may exist such as specific learning disabilities, anxiety, or affective disorders. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief. The individual has brought into adulthood many negative perceptions of himself that may have led to low esteem. Now he can begin to understand why he has some of his problems and can begin to face them. This may mean, not only treatment for ADHD but also psychotherapy that can help him cope with the anger he feels about the failure to diagnose the disorder when he was younger. Keywords: ADHD, diagnosing, adult |
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Copyright © 2005 by ADDInformation.org The materials provided on this site are for informational purposes only. This information is no substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a competent medical professional. If you, or someone you love is dealing with the symptoms of ADD or any related conditions, we urge you to seek medical attention. ADDInformation.org, and its respective employees, officers, and agents accept no liability whatsoever for the usage and consequences resulting from any of the contents of this site. Your usage of this site constitutes acknowledgment and agreement to these terms of use. |
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