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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults who suffer from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships. It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back 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, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the individual is doing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. 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 disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the physician may ask to speak with significant others — typically the spouse or a close friend — to provide more details about the individual's behavior. A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be “normal”. It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to 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 designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends or in other activities. adhd diagnosis for adults of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments not being addressed. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask about family history and perform a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms. During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances 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®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people discover that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem. A strong support system is essential for success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.