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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships. However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and run tests. Symptoms A person may not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial difficulties. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame. The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also request interviews with others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like your spouse or a close family member, in order for them gather more information. A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. To be diagnosing adhd for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in several settings, including home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are needed for children under age 12. Having a good relationship with your primary care physician can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults. Treatment When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues not being addressed. The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach towards those symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who know the individual. The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on the relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Being diagnosed is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.