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Adult Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of those suffering from the disorder. It can help people to recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, in their family and in their relationships. It is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap. A health care professional or a mental health professional will assess the person and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that a person doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. getting a adhd diagnosis could be due to teachers and parents failed to detect the signs at an earlier age or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults with untreated ADHD are at a disadvantage in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause a wide range of problems including relationship problems and financial issues. To diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and review the patient's personal, medical and psychiatric history, paying particular attention to symptoms in various settings. 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 cover them up to avoid 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 are often associated with ADHD. These conditions can make ADHD symptoms worse and may interfere with the treatment of the disorder. If a psychologist or psychiatrist feels that the symptoms of ADHD are being impacted by other conditions, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also be used to determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional may also request interviews with other significant people such as spouses and siblings, to get a full picture of how the person is functioning. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following a thorough examination. This includes a detailed interview about the causes of the symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning and the presence of any other mental health conditions that may co-occur with ADHD like anxiety and mood disorders. Additionally, the doctor may ask to speak with significant others — typically an intimate partner or a close friend to provide more details about the individual's behavior. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing moment. For many adults, the diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what has always seemed like “normal” behaviors. It is often a relief to know they're not just lazy or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complicated. 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 created to ensure that people receive the help and treatment they need. To qualify for an ADHD diagnosis, a person must have experienced the symptoms for at least 12 consecutive months and they must be causing significant impairment in several situations, such as at home, school, or work with family or friends or in other settings. The number of symptoms that are required for adults older than 17 has been reduced from six to five. A good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you identify ADHD. Many physicians routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who is certified to conduct an evaluation in adults. Treatment When people with ADHD are diagnosed, their lives can change drastically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at the classroom, as well as in the start of a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years. The first step to get an diagnosis is speaking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can inquire about family history and conduct an examination to rule out other conditions like learning disabilities or sleep disorders that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. They may also request the person to fill out a checklist of symptoms. During the process of assessment, doctors may decide to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms that is essential in enhancing relationships following the diagnosis. If this isn't feasible the doctor may conduct an interview with friends or co-workers who are familiar with the person. The main treatment is medication. options for adults with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain, and can aid in the treatment of ADHD. Psychotherapy is another option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and organizational strategies, self-regulation of behavior and emotions and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), help adults identify subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication can help alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant and helps to increase the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets, or as modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is another kind of medicine, works by decreasing brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid. The therapist or psychiatrist will look over the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify the factors that can cause similar symptoms. This is crucial because certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Certain medications and nutritional supplements may also cause similar symptoms. During the examination it is likely that the person will be asked to describe their ADHD symptoms to a psychiatrist or therapist. They will be asked to fill in standardized ADHD rating scales and check lists as well as full psychological tests that assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as 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 certain instances a therapist may request the patient's partner or spouse to interview them about the impact of their symptoms on the relationship. This can lessen the burden of blame between individuals and promote healthy, productive relationships. Counseling Getting a diagnosis is a great relief for many adults with ADHD. It allows them to to understand the reasons for their problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these challenges. It's also an opportunity to change negative behaviors and boost self-esteem. Counseling can be a great method to build a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD may include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavioral interventions. A therapist could create a chart that rewards positive behaviors and imposes consequences on negative ones. The therapist can also instruct the patient on how to manage their symptoms, for example, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative yoga poses. Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you struggle in organizing, planning and paying attention. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to accommodate for your condition. They might, for example, allow you to write on computers instead of paper or offer an explanation of classroom material. In addition, the therapist can 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 behaviors to positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy, which teaches family members how to interact better with a person suffering from ADHD and improve communication and problem-solving abilities. People suffering from ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety, and may have issues with substance abuse.