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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships. However it can be a challenge to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their school, work and social lives. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and review his or her personal, medical and mental health history, with particular attention paid to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment. The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression 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 thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an exhaustive evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor may also request to speak to your significant others such as your spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information. A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed were “normal”. It's usually a relief to discover that the issues are not simply inattention 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 get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or at work, with friends or family or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six required for children who are younger than 12 years old. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider 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 are diagnosed their lives can alter dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, with starting a new career, or in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their ailments going untreated. Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available 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. getting diagnosed with adhd is available in pill or liquid form. The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs. During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as and psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In some instances, the therapist will ask the individual's partner or spouse to talk with them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reasons behind their struggles at school or at work, and learn how to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. 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 or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more detailed explanations of class material. Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and to improve communication and problem-solving skills. People suffering from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and could also have issues with addiction to drugs.