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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships. However it can be challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and conduct tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues. To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is doing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough evaluation. 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 conditions that could co-occur with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others — typically an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior. A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they thought 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, home, or work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful 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 people suffering from ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over time. Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. Iam Psychiatry can also request the person to complete a list of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the assessment process. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using 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 also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medicine prescribed to adults with 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 a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs. During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to their therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists as along with psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these problems. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem. Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses. Counseling can also help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For example, they might permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with substance abuse.