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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships. However it can be challenging to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not realize they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment. It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for 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, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other significant people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is doing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD such as anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to collect more information. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be “normal”. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to laziness 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 created to ensure that people get the support and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at 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 required for children younger than 12 years old. Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians 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 can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. For some, a diagnosis can help them overcome the guilt that has been accumulated over the years of their ailments going untreated. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to getting an assessment. They can inquire about the family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They also can ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop an accurate understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who know the person well. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate and Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication helps to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. The therapist or psychiatrist will examine the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial, since certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain medications and dietary supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will recommend treatment. In some cases the therapist might ask the person's partner or spouse to talk with them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and result in better, more productive relationships. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost self-confidence. A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, for example relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For adhd uk diagnosis , they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and provide more detailed explanations of class material. The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy, which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with addiction to drugs.