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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a 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 difficult to get a diagnosis as symptoms can be overlapping with other ailments. A health care professional or mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Signs and symptoms The person might not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood Perhaps because teachers or parents did not recognize symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or working brought out the disorder. Adults with untreated ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD suffer from a variety of issues, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. A mental health professional will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and personal history, paying special attention to symptoms in various situations. The patient will be asked to describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is essential that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not conceal them to avoid embarrassment. The mental health professional must also assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist 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 extent of functional impairment caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional could ask to interview one or more significant others, such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather a complete picture of the individual's performance and challenges. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health care professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic assessment. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning and the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others like your spouse or a close family friend to get more details. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. The diagnosis provides adults with an explanation for the behaviors they thought were “normal”. It is often a relief knowing that 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. adult adhd diagnosis uk is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family or other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults over 17 has been reduced from six to five. Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They may finally have reasons for their failures in school or the struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. For some, a diagnosis can provide relief from anxiety that could have built up over years of their issues 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 do an examination to rule out any conditions that can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. In many instances, the doctor will request that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the assessment process. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is crucial to strengthen relationships following diagnosis. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends who are familiar with the individual. Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily with medications. Stimulants like 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 found in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients techniques for managing 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 treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that cause negative behavior and develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people discover that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It helps to increase the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another kind of medication works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid. The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is important, as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. In addition, certain supplements and medications may cause similar symptoms. During the assessment, the individual will likely be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to the therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked to provide standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as along with psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are causing serious harm to a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In some cases the therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the effects of the symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blaming between individuals and lead to better, more productive relationships. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief to many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to comprehend the reasons behind their struggles at work or school and learn ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase confidence in themselves. Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. For instance the therapist could create a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. Therapists can teach the patient techniques to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can help people recognize and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit that you're having problems with attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to make accommodations for your condition. They may, for instance permit you to write on a computer instead of paper or give an explanation of classroom material. The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD through cognitive behavior therapy. This is a method of therapy that helps you transform negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy which helps loved ones learn to better interact with a person with ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People with ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and they may also be suffering from issues with addiction to drugs.