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Adult Diagnosis of ADHDFor 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 challenging to get a diagnosis as symptoms are often overlapping with other conditions. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and conduct tests.SymptomsIt is possible that a person does not realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers failed to recognize the symptoms at an earlier age or because work or college demands made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated suffer in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause numerous problems including relationship problems and financial issues.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 situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily functioning and relationships. It is crucial that patients are honest about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment.The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are related to comorbid conditions 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 thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the extent of functional impairment that these conditions cause. In addition the mental health professional might request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect a complete picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.DiagnosisAdults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive assessment. This involves a thorough 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 such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor may request to speak with significant others--usually an intimate partner or a close friend to help gather more information about the person's behavior.A correct diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed to be "normal" behavior. It's usually a relief to find out that their issues aren't just due to lazyness 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 is a standard that has been established to ensure that people receive the care and support they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must have caused significant impairment in a variety of situations, such as at school, at home, or at work; with friends or family or in other settings. For adults aged 17 and older, the number of required symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12.Maintaining a positive relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an assessment of adults.TreatmentWhen a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or even in relationships. For those who are suffering from depression, it can help them overcome the shame that may have been accumulated over the years of their ailments not being addressed.The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They may also request the person to complete a list of symptoms.During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to interview a spouse or partner. This can help the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and compassionate attitude towards their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't an option the therapist may ask acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person.The main treatment is medication. options for adults suffering from ADHD. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate, Adderall and dextroamphetamine. Other medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r) Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a way to teach patients strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with self-criticism and negative feelings. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps adults identify automatic thoughts or irrational thinking that can lead to negative behavior and to develop positive self-talk.MedicationMany people discover that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in different forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by decreasing 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 as ADHD. This is crucial as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. In addition, certain medications and dietary supplements can cause similar symptoms.During the test, the person will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists and complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities.If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously affecting the life of a person they may recommend treatment with medication. In some instances the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them regarding the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This step can help to decrease blame between individuals and can lead to more positive, healthier relationships.CounselingMany adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's an opportunity to discover the reason why they face difficulties at school or at work, and discover ways to overcome these issues. It's an opportunity to transform negative behavior and boost self-esteem.Having a good support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a range of behavioral treatments. Therapists may create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties on bad ones. The therapist could also guide the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga postures.Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with planning, organizing 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 could, for instance permit you to write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material.The therapist will also show you how to manage ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured form of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include family or marital therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and may have issues with addiction to drugs.