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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with relationships, work, and family. It is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will examine the individual and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier time or because work or college demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their academic, professional and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial problems. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and not cover them up to avoid embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with treatment for the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of impairment in function caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people, such as spouses or siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is performing. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough discussion about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health conditions that may be co-occurring with ADHD like depression and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others—usually the spouse or a close friend — to assist in gaining more information about the person's behavior. A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be “normal” behaviors. Often, it provides 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 standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or at work with family members or friends or other activities. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. A good relationship with your primary health care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When those with ADHD get a diagnosis, their lives can change drastically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the guilt that has built up over years of their ailments being ignored. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards receiving an assessment. They might inquire about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request that the person complete the checklist of symptoms. During the process of assessment, a doctor may ask to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't possible the doctor can conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who know the person well. Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medications. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications such as atomoxetine, (Strattera®,) and Guanfacine (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is a different option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques to manage their ADHD symptoms, including time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate, the most common medication used by adults suffering from ADHD 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. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to determine factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation, the individual will likely describe their ADHD symptoms to the psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will recommend medication. In some cases the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having difficulties at work or school and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and build confidence in themselves. Counseling is a great way to help you build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example, a therapist may create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga. adhd diagnosis uk adult ADHD Diagnosis 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 is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. Most teachers and bosses make accommodations to accommodate your condition. For instance, they may allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. In addition, the therapist can help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of talk therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behavior into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to better interact with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.