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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family. It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests. Symptoms The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues. To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the person's functioning and challenges. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may ask to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details regarding the person's behavior. A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. It's often a relief to learn that their problems aren't just due to lazyness 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 individuals receive the help and treatment they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work, with friends or family or in other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their symptoms not being addressed. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have an assessment. They might inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. genetic factors can ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications 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 popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to determine if there are any factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can cause similar symptoms. During the examination, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit you have problems with attention, planning and organizing. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material. In addition, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.