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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 to 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 mental health professional will evaluate the person and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of issues, including relationship problems and financial problems. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient is open about these symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder effective treatment for the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others — typically the spouse or a close friend — to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be “normal”. Often, it provides relief knowing that they're not just naive 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults. Treatment If people suffering from ADHD receive a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They may finally have reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to getting an diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They also can request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms. In many cases, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. When treating adult patients with ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blame between people and result in healthier, more productive relationships. 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 issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. IamPsychiatry can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of the material in class. Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also suffer from substance abuse that can cause more symptoms.