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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships. It can be difficult to determine the cause because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the patient and conduct tests. Symptoms It is possible that someone 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 because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues. To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and psychiatric history, taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. adult adhd diagnosis is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can interfere with effective treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of any other mental disorders that can occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others—usually a spouse or close friend—to provide more details regarding the person's behavior. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be “normal” behavior. It's often a relief find out that their issues are not simply 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 get the support and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. For adults age 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children who are younger than 12. A good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change drastically. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues being ignored. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. They may ask questions about family history and perform a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person. The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, for instance atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. This medication typically comes in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to 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 another kind of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms. During the test, 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 comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can help decrease blame between individuals and lead to more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and learn how to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured type of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety and could also have issues with substance abuse.