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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships. However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems. To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and difficulties. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others, such as a spouse or close family member to help them get more details. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed were “normal”. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues 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 designed to ensure that individuals get the support and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 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 a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults. Treatment When people with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. For some, a diagnosis can relieve the anxiety that could have been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored. 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 perform an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process, doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This helps 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 for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this is not feasible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera®,) and Guanfacine (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that control behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD, and it is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of 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. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms. During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (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 seriously affecting a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem. Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. IamPsychiatry and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD often have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can make their symptoms worse.