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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they struggle in family, work and in relationships. It can be difficult to identify since symptoms tend to overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests. Symptoms A person may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms until a younger age, or because the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have a range of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. To diagnose ADHD to diagnose it, a mental health professional will interview the patient and review his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various environments. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that the patient is open about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame. It is also crucial for the mental health professional to assess whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder effective treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the degree of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional may also conduct interviews with others who are significant, such as spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is doing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after a thorough examination. 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 could co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others, usually the spouse or a close friend — to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. It's usually a relief to learn that their problems 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 treatment and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have been suffering from the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in several environments, such as home, school, or work with family or friends; or with other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12 years old. A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help to recognize ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may transform dramatically. They might finally have reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from guilt that has been built up over the years from their symptoms not being addressed. The first step in getting an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may inquire about the family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to 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 doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Adults with ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and guanfacine, (Intuniv ® Tenex ®) are able to increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. adhd diagnosis adults uk I Am Psychiatry can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is another alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and strategies for organizing, self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and works by increasing activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most well-known medication used by adults suffering from ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing activity in the brain and can be taken in pill form or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as seizures and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Some medications and dietary supplement may also cause similar symptoms. During the assessment during the evaluation, the patient will describe their ADHD symptoms to their psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests to assess working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest medication. In some cases the therapist may ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Many people with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance understand why they are having issues at school or at work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's also an opportunity to overcome negative habits and build confidence in themselves. Counseling can be a great method of helping you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to reveal to coworkers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses will provide accommodations to accommodate your needs. They might, for example let you write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class. In addition the therapist can also help you cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that assists to change negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to better communicate and solve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with substance abuse.