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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, in their family and in their relationships. It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and perform tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not recognize the symptoms at an earlier age, or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many problems including relationship problems and financial problems. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also essential for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid disorders such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish 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 others, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the person's functioning and issues. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the way you live your life. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the practitioner might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like “normal” behaviors. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work; with friends or family; or with other activities. For adults age 17 and older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six needed for children under age 12. Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They may finally discover answers to their problems in the classroom, as well as in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years. Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They might inquire about the family history and perform an examination to rule out any conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. During Iam Psychiatry , a doctor may ask to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a compassionate approach to the symptoms. This is essential to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview 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 commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and Guanfacine (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizational strategies, of emotions and behaviors, and coping techniques for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that lead to negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken as a pill or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to complete standard ADHD rating scales and check lists and full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. If the psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life they will suggest treatment with medication. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relationships. Counseling Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem. A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga. Counseling can also help people accept and understand their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material. In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD often have other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety and may suffer from substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.