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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the disorder. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships. It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests. Signs and symptoms One may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. diagnosis for adhd make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional 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. The mental health professional will also ask to interview others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD such as mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually a spouse or close friend—to provide more details about the individual's behavior. A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be “normal” behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When people with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives. The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. 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 self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form. When treating adult patients with ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and increase confidence in themselves. Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses. Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of the material in class. The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a method of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving skills. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have substance abuse problems.