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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in relationships, work, and family. However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms can be overlapping with other conditions. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the patient and run tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because 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 with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms impact the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health specialist or physician following a thorough evaluation. This involves a thorough interview regarding 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, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others, such as a spouse or close family friend, in order for them gather more information. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always appeared to be “normal” behaviors. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems aren't simply due to inattention 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause significant impairment in multiple situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends 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 good relationship with your primary care physician can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to assess adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can transform dramatically. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives. The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and perform physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They also can ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that the 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 an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the clinician may interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like 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 help patients learn techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, 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 identify the automatic thoughts or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known 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 is a different type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This review is important because certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person will likely to discuss the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some instances, the therapist will request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them regarding the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their difficulties at work or school and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and build self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material. Additionally, the therapist can teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.