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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests. adult adhd diagnosis and symptoms The person might not even be aware they suffer from ADHD until they reach adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms until a younger age or because the demands of college or work life made the disorder more apparent. Adults with ADHD who aren't treated are affected in their social, academic and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues including relationship problems as well as financial difficulties. To determine the presence of ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history taking note of symptoms in different situations. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that patients are open about their symptoms and do not hide them out of embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression, which often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and interfere with treatment for the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by comorbid conditions, further cognitive, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities testing may be used to help establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests can help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also conduct interviews with other important people such as spouses and siblings to get a complete picture of how a person is performing. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health professional or physician after an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the way you live your life. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of other mental disorders that can occur alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. In addition, the practitioner may request to speak with significant others—usually a spouse or close friend—to help gather more information about the person's behavior. A diagnosis of ADHD can change your life. For many adults, this diagnosis finally gives them an explanation for what always seemed like “normal” behavior. It's often a relief discover that the issues are not simply 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 individuals receive the assistance and treatment they require. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have had the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must cause 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 required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. Having a good relationship with your primary care provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to assess adults. Treatment If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their lives can change dramatically. They can finally have some explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has built up for some people throughout their lives. Talking to a mental health specialist or health care professional is the first step towards finding out if you have a diagnosis. They may inquire about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or use of alcohol/drugs. They may also ask the patient to complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms. In many cases the doctor will suggest that a spouse or partner be interviewed during the process of assessing. This helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner gain a better understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms, which is important in enhancing relationships following an assessment. If this isn't possible the doctor may conduct an interview with acquaintances or colleagues who are familiar with the person. Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely used drugs to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, like Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy also is an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions and managing negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and devise strategies to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication helps to alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It is effective by boosting the activity of brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly 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 works by reducing the activity in the brain and can be taken as a pill or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient in order to determine factors that may cause similar symptoms. This review is important because some medical conditions, such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, some drugs and nutritional supplements may cause similar symptoms. During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about the ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill in standard ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, 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 suggest treatment with medication. In some instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and result in more positive, healthier relationships. Counseling Many people with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at school or at work and learn how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem. A strong support system is crucial to success, and counseling can help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy as well as a variety of behavioral interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments for negative behaviors. The therapist can teach the patient techniques to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditative poses in yoga. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you have problems in organizing, planning and paying attention. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. Most teachers and bosses provide accommodations to accommodate your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on the computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also instruct you how to cope with ADHD by using cognitive behavior therapy. It is a structured form of therapy that assists you in changing negative behaviours and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD could also involve family or marital therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety and may also be afflicted by substance abuse that can exacerbate their symptoms.