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get diagnosed with adhd of ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can have a major impact on your life. It can help people to understand why they have difficulties at work, at home and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to determine the cause because symptoms can overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will assess the patient and conduct tests.

Signs and symptoms

A person may not even be aware they have ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood or perhaps because teachers and parents were not aware of symptoms at a younger age or because the demands of college or work life brought out the disorder. Adults with ADHD who are not treated are affected in their academic, social and work lives. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to many issues, including relationship problems and financial difficulties.

In order to diagnose ADHD, a mental health professional will speak with the patient and go over the patient's personal, medical and mental health history, paying particular attention to symptoms in different environments. The patient will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning and their relationships. It is crucial that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she does not hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame.

It is also essential for the mental health professional to assess whether these symptoms are connected to comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which frequently coexist with ADHD. These conditions often make the symptoms of ADHD worse and may interfere with effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychologist or psychiatrist thinks that the symptoms are being affected by comorbid conditions, such as psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests will also aid in determining the degree of functional impairment caused by these conditions. The mental health professional will also request interviews with other important people like spouses or siblings to get a complete picture of how the individual is performing.

Diagnosis

For adults the diagnosis of ADHD is usually made by a mental health care medical professional or physician who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This involves a thorough interview about the history of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning as well as the presence of any other mental health issues that may co-occur with ADHD, such as mood disorders and anxiety. The doctor might also ask to speak to your significant others like the spouse or a close family member, in order for them collect more information.

A proper diagnosis of ADHD could alter your life. The diagnosis gives adults an explanation for their behavior that they believed to be "normal". It's often a relief learn that their problems 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 people receive the help and treatment they need. For a person to qualify for an ADHD diagnosis they must exhibit symptoms for at least one year and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings, including school, home or work with family members 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 required for children who are younger than 12 years old.

A good relationship with your primary care physician can be beneficial in identifying ADHD. Many physicians diagnose and treat ADHD in kids and can refer you to an expert in mental health to evaluate adults.

Treatment

If someone suffering from ADHD is diagnosed, their life can transform dramatically. They can finally find some solutions to their problems at school, and also in establishing a career, or even in relationships. A diagnosis can ease the guilt that has been accumulating for some people throughout their lives.





The first step in obtaining an diagnosis is speaking to a health care professional or mental health professional. They may ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out conditions which could trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD or other disorders, such as learning disabilities, sleep disorders or alcohol/drug abuse. They may also request the person to complete a checklist of symptoms.

During the process of assessment, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This allows the non ADHD spouse or partner to gain an accurate understanding of their loved one's ADHD and a sympathetic approach towards those symptoms. This is crucial to improve relationships following diagnosis. If this isn't feasible, the clinician may interview friends or co-workers who know the person.

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated mostly with medication. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and widely used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and Guanfacine (Intuniv(r), Tenex(r)) increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

Psychotherapy is also an option. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients skills to manage their ADHD symptoms, such as time management and self-regulation of emotions and behavior and dealing with negative self-criticism and negative emotions. Other therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help adults recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can lead to negative behaviors and develop ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people find that ADHD medications help to improve their symptoms. The medication is typically in the form of a stimulant and is effective by increasing brain activity in areas that control the behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and it is available in different forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release tablet forms that release the medication over the course of the day. Clonidine is a different type of medicine works by reducing the brain activity and can be taken in pill form or liquid.

The psychiatrist or therapist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that could cause similar symptoms. This is crucial as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizures can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. Additionally, certain drugs and nutritional supplements can cause similar symptoms.

During the assessment it is likely that the person will explain their ADHD symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as well as psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability, as well as reasoning skills.

If the therapist believes that ADHD symptoms affect a person's quality of life they will suggest treatment. In some instances the therapist might ask the patient's partner or spouse to speak with them about the impact of their condition on their relationship. This can help reduce the blame between the two people and help to foster healthier, more productive relationships.

Counseling

Being diagnosed is a huge relief to many adults with ADHD. It gives them a chance understand why they are having problems at school or work and to understand how to overcome these issues. It's a chance to alter negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

A strong support system is crucial to success and counseling can assist. Counseling for ADHD can involve psychological (or psychotherapy) therapy and a variety of behavioral strategies. For example the therapist could create a reward chart which rewards positive behavior, and enforces consequences for bad behavior. The therapist can also teach the patient how to manage their symptoms, such as relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Another benefit of counseling is helping people understand and accept their ADHD. It can be difficult to admit that you have problems with attention and planning. It is embarrassing to admit that you suffer from ADHD to your supervisors or coworkers. Most teachers and bosses offer accommodations to accommodate your condition. They could, for instance let you write on a computer instead of paper or offer more in-depth explanations of class material.

Additionally the therapist will teach you ways to cope with your ADHD through cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include family or marital therapy. This helps loved ones learn to communicate better and resolve issues with someone suffering from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, and they may struggle with substance misuse and addiction, which can make their symptoms worse.