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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships. It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that someone may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier age, or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is doing. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to collect more information. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they thought were “normal”. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful; their problems are more complicated. 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 qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12 years old. A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed. The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms. In many cases, the doctor will request that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the person well. Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs. During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many people with ADHD are relieved when they receive an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these problems. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and build self-esteem. Counseling can be a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. For example a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. adhd diagnoses IamPsychiatry can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer a more detailed explanation of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.