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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the condition. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships. However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment. It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of impairment to function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how the person is performing. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. I Am Psychiatry UK involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the daily activities. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others—usually a spouse or close friend—to provide more details about the individual's behavior. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed to be “normal”. It's often a relief find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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 set to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at home, school, or work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are required for children younger than 12. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally have some reasons for their failures in school or a struggle to find a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of emotions and behaviors and coping strategies for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in 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 decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the patient's family history as well as medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked for the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to the life of a person, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to recognize the reason for their issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build self-esteem. Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance a therapist might make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. Therapists 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's not easy to admit you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to accommodate for your condition. For instance, they could permit you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material. The therapist will also instruct you how to manage ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve marital or family therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person with ADHD and improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.