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iampsychiatry of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the disorder. It can help people to discover the reason for their struggles at work, with their families and in their relationships. It is often difficult to identify because symptoms often overlap. A health care provider or mental health professional will examine the person and perform tests. Symptoms It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. This could be due to parents and teachers failed to recognize the signs at an earlier time or due to the demands of college or work made the disorder more apparent. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are more vulnerable in their work, school and social lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to numerous issues, including relationship problems and financial problems. A mental health professional will review and interview the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying particular attention to the symptoms in different situations. The patient will describe how these symptoms affect his or her daily life and relationships. It is important that the patient is honest about these symptoms and that he or she not hold back due to feelings of embarrassment or shame. The mental health professional must also determine if these symptoms are linked to comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions can cause ADHD symptoms worse and cause problems with treatment for the disorder. If the psychologist or psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing can be used to establish an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of impairment in function caused by these conditions. In addition the mental health professional may require an interview with one or more significant people like spouses, siblings and coworkers in order to collect an entire picture of the person's behavior and issues. Diagnosis Adults are diagnosed with ADHD by a mental health doctor or a medical professional following an extensive evaluation. This includes a detailed interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on everyday functioning, as well as the presence of any other mental health disorders that may co-occur with ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety. The practitioner may also ask to speak with significant others such as the spouse or a close family member to collect more information. A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for behaviors that they believed to be “normal”. Sometimes, it is a relief to know they're not just naive or forgetful or incompetent; their issues are more complex. 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 established to ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and have caused significant impairment in multiple settings, including school, home or work with family or friends or other activities. For adults aged 17 and older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five from the six that are needed for children under age 12. Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many doctors diagnose and treat ADHD in children and refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults. Treatment When someone with ADHD is diagnosed, their life can drastically change. They might finally have explanations for failures in school, a struggle to establish an occupation or a relationship. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has been accumulating for some people over the years. The first step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is to talk to a health care professional or mental health professional. They might inquire about the family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug use. They also can request that the person complete a rating scale checklist of symptoms. During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with an individual partner or spouse. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an understanding of their loved one's ADHD, and an empathetic approach to the symptoms. This is essential for improving relationships after a diagnoses. If this is not feasible, the clinician can interview colleagues or friends 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 prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD. Other medications, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and Guanfacine (Intuniv®, Tenex®) increase the amount of norepinephrine found in the brain and may help improve symptoms of ADHD. Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients learn skills for managing their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help adults recognize subconscious thoughts or irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative behavior, and also develop positive self-talk. Medication Many people find that ADHD medication can alleviate their symptoms. This medicine is typically in the form of a stimulant. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate, the most common medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is another type of medication that works by reducing brain activity. It can be taken in liquid or pill form. When treating adult patients with ADHD The psychotherapist or psychiatrist may look over the person's family and medical history to identify causes that could cause similar symptoms similar to ADHD. This is important, as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. 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 provide standardized ADHD ratings and check lists as well as psychological tests to measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities. If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms are seriously affecting the quality of life of a person they will suggest medication. In certain instances the therapist might request the patient's spouse or partner to interview them about the effects of the symptoms of the patient on their relationship. This can help reduce blame between people and can lead to better, more productive relationships. Counseling Being diagnosed is a huge relief for many adults suffering from ADHD. It's a chance to understand why they have problems at work or school and learn how to overcome these issues. It's also a chance to alter negative behavior and build self-esteem. Counseling can be a wonderful method to build a strong support network. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a range of behavioral interventions. A therapist might create a chart that encourages positive behavior and imposes penalties for negative behaviors. Therapists can also teach the patient skills to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga. Counseling can assist people to accept and comprehend their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you're having difficulties paying attention, planning and organizing. It can even be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, most teachers and bosses will be willing to make accommodations to accommodate your needs. For instance, they could allow you to make use of a computer to write assignments instead of paper and provide more in-depth explanations of class material. The therapist will also show you how to deal with ADHD using cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders. This is a structured type of therapy that helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD can also include marital or family therapy. This teaches loved-ones how to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from other mental disorders such depression or anxiety and may have issues with addiction to drugs.