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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people understand why they struggle in work, family and relationships. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems. In order to diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are related to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview others who are significant like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the physician may request to speak with significant others—usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were “normal”. Sometimes, it is a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex. 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of environments, such as school, home, or work with family or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children younger than 12. A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults. Treatment If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has built up over years of their issues not being addressed. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving an diagnosis. They may inquire about the family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms. In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. adhd diagnosed allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual. Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behavior and emotions and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs. During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the quality of life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost self-confidence. Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It can be embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.