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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in work, family and relationships. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues including relationship problems as well as financial issues. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. IamPsychiatry is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment in function caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others such as 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 healthcare professional or physician after an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member to get more details. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be “normal” behaviors. It's often a relief learn that their problems aren't just due to 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 is a standard established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12. A good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults. Treatment When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives can alter drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives. The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the patient to complete the checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't possible the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who know the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like atomoxetine, (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common 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 kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. When treating adult patients with ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify any causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is important, as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can also cause similar signs. During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of an individual the therapist will suggest treatment. In some cases, 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 help reduce blame between people and lead to healthier, more productive relationships. Counseling Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. 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 variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures. Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your situation. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.