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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 family, work and in relationships. However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or a mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work brought out the disorder. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from 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 review the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are open about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may hinder effective treatment for the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is functioning. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. adhd diagnosis uk adults includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they impact the daily activities. It also considers the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD, such depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others such as a spouse or close family member, in order for them collect more information. A proper diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they believed were “normal”. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just lazy 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 standard is designed to ensure that people receive the assistance and treatment they require. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, the person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must be causing significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms required for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment on adults. Treatment When those with ADHD are diagnosed their lives may change drastically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people over the years. The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might ask questions about family history and conduct an examination to rule out conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They may also ask the patient to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the assessment process a doctor may ask to speak with the spouse or partner. 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 improving relationships after a diagnosis. If this is not feasible the doctor can conduct an interview with friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants like methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications, such as atomoxetine, (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ® Tenex ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is a different alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing their ADHD symptoms, including time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as 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 discover that ADHD medication can improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant and works by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in a variety of forms. It can be taken in immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid. If treating adult patients suffering from ADHD, the psychiatrist or therapist may review the person's family history and medical history to identify any factors that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements can also cause similar signs. During the evaluation the individual is likely to describe the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing the quality of life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and boost self-confidence. Counseling can be a wonderful way to help you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can also help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For example, they might permit you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material. Additionally the therapist can also teach you how to deal with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a structured type of talk therapy that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.