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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships. However, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests. Symptoms One may not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial issues. To determine the presence of ADHD A mental health professional will interview the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels 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 help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional might ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and colleagues to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and difficulties. 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 involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. It also includes the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others like a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be “normal” behaviors. Often, it provides relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; 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 is a standard set to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or work with family or friends, or other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children younger than 12. A strong relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can provide a referral to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults. Treatment When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives. The first step in getting a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. In many instances the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual. Medicines are the primary treatment options for adults with ADHD. 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 ®), increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine, another type of medicine is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD the psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family history and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is necessary due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement can cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and lead to more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD are relieved when they receive the diagnosis. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to alter negative behavior and increase self-confidence. Counseling can be a great way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral interventions. Therapists may create a chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. The therapist can also instruct the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures. diagnosing adhd of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to inform 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 offer a more detailed explanation of class material. Additionally the therapist will teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD often have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can cause more symptoms.