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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For those who suffer from ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people recognize the reasons why they struggle in family, work and in relationships. However it can be challenging to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms One may not be aware that they suffer from ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents did not recognize 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 school, work and social lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including problems with relationships and financial problems. A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychology feels that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers to get an entire picture of the person's behavior and challenges. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following a thorough examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that may co-exist alongside ADHD like depression and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak with significant others like the spouse or a close family member to help them collect more information. A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. Often, it provides relief to know that they're not simply naive or oblivious; their problems 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 is a standard established to ensure that people receive the treatment and support they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and cause significant impairment in multiple settings, like at home, school or at work with family members or friends, or other activities. The number of symptoms required for adults over the age of 17 has been reduced from six to five. A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For certain people, a diagnosis may provide relief from shame that may have been built up over the years from their ailments being ignored. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to finding out if you have a diagnosis. They can inquire about family history and perform an examination to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders which can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop a clear understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in improving relationships after an assessment. If this isn't possible, the clinician may interview colleagues or friends who know the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy also is an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for negative feelings and self criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by boosting activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It is available in liquid or pill form. If treating adult patients suffering from 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 similar to ADHD. This review is important due to the fact that certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid issues can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in the 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 the therapist is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In certain instances a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to speak with them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It allows them to understand why they are having problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's also a chance to change negative behaviors and boost confidence in themselves. Counseling is a great method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) as well as a variety of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and is able to impose consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures. Counseling can help people accept and comprehend 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 offer accommodations to accommodate your needs. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who has ADHD. adhd diagnosis adult uk with ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and may also be afflicted by substance abuse and addiction, which can exacerbate their symptoms.