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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with work, family and relationships. However, it can be difficult to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will evaluate the individual and conduct tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to detect the signs at an earlier time or because college or work demands brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are being disadvantaged in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems. To determine the presence of ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different environments. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of impairment to function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that may co-exist with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like a spouse or close family member, in order for them gather more information. A diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like “normal” behaviors. It's usually a relief to discover that the 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 months, and they must cause significant impairment in multiple environments, such as school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends or in other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an assessment of adults. Treatment When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, with establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives. The first step to get a diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They might inquire about family history and then conduct an examination to rule out conditions like sleep disorders or learning disabilities which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will ask that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner to develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is important to strengthen relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as 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 help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that cause negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people report that ADHD medication helps alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for adults with ADHD and is available in a variety of forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to determine if there are any causes that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, some supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms. During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to complete the standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists, as well as complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual, he or she will suggest treatment. In some instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This will help reduce blame between people and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD find relief in receiving a diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves. Having a good support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. A therapist could create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on negative ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing and paying attention. It can be embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. adhd undiagnosed in adults might, for example permit you to write on a computer instead of paper, or provide a more detailed explanation of classroom material. Additionally, the therapist can teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a structured type of therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.