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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of those suffering from the condition. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home 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 assess the patient and run tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and not hide them out of embarrassment. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional tests could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also help determine the level of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the individual's performance and challenges. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be “normal” behavior. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious or incompetent; their issues are more complicated. 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 people receive the help and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five. A positive relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They can finally find some solutions to their issues in the classroom, as well as in establishing a career, or in relationships. For certain people, a diagnosis may help them overcome the shame that may have built up over years of their ailments not being addressed. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step in finding out if you have an diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and perform an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also request that the person complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview the spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the individual. Medications are the main treatment options for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine, another type of medication, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid. When treating adult patients with ADHD the doctor or therapist will review the person's family history and medical history to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as and psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend medication. In some cases a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving an diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to learn how to overcome these problems. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves. A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also teach you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. get adhd diagnosis is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and to improve the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have substance abuse problems.