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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships. However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and conduct tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person 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 age, or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are being disadvantaged in their school, work and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial issues. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about the symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's functioning and issues. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they affect the way you live your life. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family friend to collect more information. A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like “normal” behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and 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 standard is created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, such as home, school or work with family members or friends or in other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six required for children younger than 12. A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They may finally discover solutions to their problems at school, with the start of a career, or even in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from anxiety that could have been built up over the years from their issues going untreated. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and conduct a physical exam to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They may also ask the person to complete the checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an 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 possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and Guanfacine (Intuniv ® Tenex ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill or liquid form. The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. If adhd diagnosis adult uk or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It allows them to understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem. A solid support system is crucial to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga postures. Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you have trouble with paying attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you have ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also teach you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured form of talk therapy which assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and they may be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.