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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships. However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests. Signs and symptoms A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial issues. To determine adhd diagnosis of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them get more details. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be “normal” behaviors. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems are not simply lazyness or forgetfulness. 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 people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in several environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people over the years. The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may aid in the treatment of ADHD. Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different 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 medicine, works by decreasing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid. When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs. During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Having a good support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or 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 type of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also exacerbate their symptoms.