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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, at home and in their relationships. However, it can be difficult to establish a diagnosis because symptoms often overlap with other ailments. adhd diagnosis uk adults or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach adulthood. It could be because teachers and parents failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because college or work demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that patients are honest about their symptoms and not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are related to comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make the symptoms of ADHD worse and can hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional cognitive, neuropsychological, or testing for learning disabilities could be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that could co-occur with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others—usually a spouse or close friend—to assist in gaining more information about the individual's behavior. A correct diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like “normal” behavior. It is often a relief knowing that they're not simply naive or oblivious 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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses, they must have symptoms for at least a year and be a significant handicap in a variety of settings, like at home, school or at work, with friends or family, or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of necessary symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12 years old. Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many providers diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When people with ADHD receive a diagnosis, their lives can change dramatically. They will finally have answers to their problems in school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can relieve the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their issues being ignored. Talking to a mental health professional or health care provider is the first step to receiving an assessment. They might ask questions about family history and conduct a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They also can ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview the spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not possible the clinician may interview acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medication. Stimulants like 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 ®) can increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain. These medications can improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication helps improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant, and it works 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 as immediate-release tablets or modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If the therapist believes ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person the therapist will suggest treatment. In certain instances, the therapist will ask the person's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their issues at school or at work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to change negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Having a good support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient in skills to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga postures. Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not easy to admit you have problems with planning, organizing 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 accommodate for your condition. They may, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of the material in class. The therapist will also show you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured type of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy which teaches loved ones how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with substance abuse.