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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships. However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms often overlap with other conditions. A mental health professional or health care provider will evaluate the individual and conduct tests. Symptoms It is possible that someone does not realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers did not detect the signs at an earlier time or because work or college demands brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not diagnosed suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial problems. In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal medical and mental health history, taking note of symptoms in different settings. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and not hold back due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to determine whether the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities such as anxiety or depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment of the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, then additional testing can be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the extent of impairment to function that is caused by these conditions. In addition, the mental health professional may ask to interview one or more significant others like spouses, siblings, and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's behavior and difficulties. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may be co-occurring with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor may also request to speak to significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what has always seemed to be “normal” behavior. It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that individuals receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, one must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, at home, or at work as well as with family members or friends; or with other activities. The number of symptoms needed for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. A strong relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to a mental health professional qualified to evaluate adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life may drastically change. They will finally have solutions to their issues in school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can provide relief from guilt that has been built up over the years from their issues being ignored. The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They may inquire about family history and conduct physical examinations to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or use of alcohol/drugs. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. During the assessment process, doctors may decide to interview a spouse or partner. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and an understanding of their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this is not possible the doctor can conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who are familiar with the person. The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera®,) and Guanfacine (Intuniv ®, Tenex ®), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management and self-regulation strategies, organizing strategies of behaviors and emotions, and coping techniques for self-criticism and negative feelings. criticism. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behaviors and develop ways to overcome them using positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications help to alleviate their symptoms. This medication is usually in the form a stimulant and increases the activity of the brain in areas that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medicine for adults with ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. adult adhd diagnosis uk www.iampsychiatry.uk or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as seizures and thyroid problems can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can also cause similar symptoms. During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect the quality of life of a person, he or she will recommend medication. In some instances the therapist may ask the individual's spouse or partner to interview them about the impact of the patient's symptoms on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD get relief from receiving the diagnosis. It gives them a chance to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these challenges. It's an opportunity to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem. A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD may include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral interventions. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can help people accept and comprehend their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have trouble with paying attention, planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they may permit you to use a computer for writing assignments instead of writing on paper and give more in-depth explanations of classroom material. The therapist will also instruct you how to deal with ADHD through cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. It is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression and may also struggle with substance misuse, which can also cause more symptoms.