Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD the diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships. It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A mental health specialist or health care professional will evaluate the individual and perform tests. Signs and symptoms It is possible that a person may not be aware of having ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This may be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD experience a variety of problems, including relationship issues and financial difficulties. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning as well as their relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment. The mental health professional must be able to determine if the symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety which are often associated with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be utilized to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment that these conditions cause. The mental health professional will also ask to interview other important people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how a person is functioning. Diagnosis For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnosis. This includes a detailed interview regarding the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that could co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. The doctor might also ask to speak to significant others, such as your spouse or a close family member to help them gather more information. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing event. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always appeared to be "normal" behaviors. It's often a relief 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 standard is designed to ensure that people get the support and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at minimum a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings such as home, school or work with family or friends 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 required for children younger than 12. A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an evaluation in adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures, a struggle to establish a career or relationship problems. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years. The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They can also ask the person to complete a checklist of symptoms. In many instances the doctor will suggest that the spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessment. This helps the non ADHD spouse or partner develop an understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic attitude towards the symptoms. This is important to improve relationships following a diagnoses. If this isn't an option, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who know the person. The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated using stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall, and dextroamphetamine. Other medications like atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative feelings and self-criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medications can help improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form a stimulant, and it works by increasing brain activity in areas that regulate the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ can be taken in 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 decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family history of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. In addition, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms. During the examination during the evaluation, the patient will explain their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to provide the standardized ADHD ratings and check lists, as along with psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, as well as reasoning skills. If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life the therapist will suggest medication. In certain instances, a therapist may ask the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can help reduce the blame between people and encourage healthier, more productive relations. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a huge relief for many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to learn how to overcome these challenges. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and boost self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method of helping you build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and imposes consequences for negative behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, like relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to confess that you suffer from ADHD to co-workers or supervisors. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They may, for instance let you write on the computer instead of paper, or provide more in-depth explanations of classroom material. Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy that assists you transform negative thoughts and behavior to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression and may be afflicted by substance abuse, which can also make their symptoms worse.