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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A mental health professional or health care provider will examine the individual and perform tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, 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 settings. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect the way they function in their daily lives and relationships. It is crucial that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions such as learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional tests can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant others such as spouses, siblings and colleagues in order to collect an entire picture of the individual's performance and issues. Diagnosis For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others, usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be “normal”. It is often a relief knowing that they're not just naive or forgetful and 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, they must have symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or at 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 that are needed for children under age 12 years old. A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you to recognize ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is able to perform an assessment on adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. 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 been accumulating for some people over the years. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards receiving a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms. During the assessment process, the doctor may request to interview an individual partner or spouse. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. 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 also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine used for adults with ADHD is available in a variety of forms. It is available in 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, works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in pill form or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, and comprehensive psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work and learn ways to overcome them. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method to create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance a therapist might create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to inform coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will make accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example permit you to write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class. Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving skills. People who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and they may also be suffering from substance abuse problems.