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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships. It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will assess the patient and perform tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier age or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't diagnosed suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of problems, including problems with relationships and financial problems. To diagnose ADHD A mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in various situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms impact his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms, and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also interfere with effective treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment in function that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional could request an interview with one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the individual's performance and difficulties. 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 interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family friend, in order for them collect more information. A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be “normal”. It is often a relief to know 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, such as home, school or work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and may refer you to a mental health professional who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has accumulated for certain people over the years. The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about the family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out any conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. 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 crucial for improving relationships after diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person. Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. adhd diagnosis uk , such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for adults with ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the doctor or therapist will review the patient's family history as well as medical history to determine if there are any factors that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. This is necessary because some medical conditions like seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists along with complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they will suggest treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between the two people and help to foster healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving an diagnosis. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance for them to alter negative behavior and boost confidence in themselves. Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist may also instruct the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention or planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. The majority of teachers and supervisors will offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of class material. Additionally the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.