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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships. It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial problems. To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review the patient's personal medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that the patient is open about the symptoms, and do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. The mental health professional should also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and issues. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family friend to collect more information. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like “normal” behaviors. It is often a relief to know that they're not just naive 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 that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit 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 other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults. Treatment If people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, with establishing a career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has built up for some people over time. Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the patient to complete a list of symptoms. During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, for instance Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as 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 discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD 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 can be taken in liquid or pill form. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs. During the assessment, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning abilities. If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to reduce blaming between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga postures. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. The majority of teachers and supervisors will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may suffer from substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.