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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships. It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests. Signs and symptoms A person may 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 at a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, such as relationship issues and financial difficulties. To determine the presence of 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 different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other significant people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is functioning. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others — typically an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the individual's behavior. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like “normal” behavior. Sometimes, it is a relief knowing 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 care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the shame that may have been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner is interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual. The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people discover that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid. When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychiatrist or therapist may review the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify factors that can cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some cases, the therapist will ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at work or school and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence. Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. diagnosed with adhd may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.