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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD For adults who struggle with ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can help people to understand the reasons they struggle with family, work and in relationships. However it can be a challenge to determine a diagnosis since symptoms are often overlapping with other ailments. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the patient and run tests. Symptoms The person might not be aware that they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood, perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of the symptoms earlier, or because the demands of college or work life caused the disorder to be exposed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their social, academic and professional lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause many problems including relationship problems and financial problems. In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and go over his or her personal, medical and psychiatric history with particular attention paid to symptoms in different environments. The patient will explain how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is essential that the patient is honest about the symptoms, and does not hide behind feelings of shame or embarrassment. It is also important for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to other comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder. If the psychiatrist or psychologist thinks that the symptoms of ADHD are influenced by comorbid 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 degree of impairment to function that these conditions cause. Additionally, the mental health professional could require an interview with one or more significant people, such as spouses, siblings, and coworkers, in order to gather an accurate picture of the person's behavior and issues. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental healthcare specialist or physician following an exhaustive examination. This involves a thorough discussion of the symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others such as a spouse or close family member to help them gather more information. A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed like “normal” behavior. It's often a relief to discover that the 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 set to ensure that people receive the care and support they require. In order for a person to be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses the person must be suffering from symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings like at home, school or work with family or friends or in 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 provider can be helpful in identifying ADHD. Many physicians regularly diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can provide a referral to an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform an evaluation in adults. Treatment When a person with ADHD is diagnosed, their life may change dramatically. They can finally have some reasons for their school failures or a struggle to find relationships or pursue a career. A diagnosis can help relieve the shame that has built up for some people over the years. The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and then conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions such as learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They can also ask the person to complete an assessment scale of symptoms. During the assessment process doctors may decide to speak with the spouse or partner. This assists the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is crucial for improving relationships after the diagnosis. If this is not possible, the clinician can interview friends or colleagues who are familiar with the individual. Adults with ADHD are treated primarily by medication. 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 ®) are able to increase norepinephrine in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills to manage their ADHD symptoms. They include time management as well as organizational strategies, self regulation of behaviors and emotions and coping strategies for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize subconscious or unfounded thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk. Medication Many people have found that ADHD medications can help alleviate their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form of a stimulant, and it increases the activity of the brain in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD and is available in various forms. It is available as immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medication is a drug that works by reducing brain activity and can be taken as a pill or liquid. The psychiatrist or therapist will look over the medical and family history of the adult patient in order to determine the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as some medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements can also cause similar signs. During the assessment, the person is likely to describe their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked to fill out standard ADHD rating scales and check lists along with comprehensive psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning (abilities like making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, and reasoning abilities. If getting a adhd diagnosis is of the opinion that ADHD symptoms are affecting a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some cases a therapist may request the spouse or partner of the patient to talk with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can reduce blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Many adults with ADHD get relief from receiving a diagnosis. It's a chance to comprehend why they have problems at work or school and discover ways to overcome them. It's also a chance to overcome negative habits and boost confidence in themselves. A strong support system is vital to success and counseling can be a great help. Counseling for ADHD can include psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral treatments. For example the therapist could make a reward chart that rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist could also guide the patient on techniques to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people comprehend and accept their ADHD. It's difficult to admit you struggle with organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to supervisors or colleagues. However, most bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. For instance, they may allow you to write on a computer for assignments instead of paper or provide more in-depth explanations of the material in class. In addition the therapist can also teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy which is a type of talk therapy that helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also involve family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with someone with ADHD and enhance the ability to communicate and solve problems. 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.