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Adult ADHD DiagnosisFor some people who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step to get treatment. They may be unhappy at work, in their homes or in their social lives due to symptoms such as being distracted or forgetting things.Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often means going through an extensive evaluation that includes conducting interviews with the person and family members, using standard tests and rating scales. This usually involves an examination of the body.SymptomsFor many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help adults understand why they’ve struggled for so long, and make sense of their previous choices. It can also provide hope for the future to be brighter. If you’re struggling to find your keys, feel like you can’t finish your work, or are being labeled lazy or irresponsible, or have been accused of being lazy or irresponsible then getting a diagnosis will aid you in finding the best treatment for you.For the majority of adults, signs appear in several areas of their lives and are more common in one area than the other. They might be unruly and impulsive at school but struggle to keep up with work. adult diagnosis of adhd may not remember to keep appointments or underestimate the time required to complete their tasks. They may struggle to make friends or argue with their spouses often. If the problems are serious, they can interfere with daily life and lead to depression or anxiousness.It’s important to diagnose ADHD However, it’s important to determine what other factors could be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, other mental health issues and medications can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. To ensure that the root problem is resolved, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is required.Adults with ADHD do not exhibit the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Hyperactivity is more subtle and can be seen as fidgeting or a difficulty in sitting. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display these signs, since they are more likely to hide their inattentive behavior at work and in social interactions.During an evaluation during an assessment, the doctor will review the patient’s medical history and look at how their medical conditions impact their daily life. They will also inquire about family history, and if possible, interview a family member to get their views on childhood behavior. They can also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. In some cases, a physical exam may be needed to rule out certain illnesses that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD.DiagnosisAdults who believe they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is especially important if the problems are connected to school or work. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals who have experience in adult ADHD assessments. They should be able to provide information regarding their level of training and experience working with adults with ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani suggests that anyone who is unwilling to share this information should be treated with suspicion.A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing experience. It provides an explanation to years of self-criticism and frustration for certain. Others feel a sense of satisfaction that there’s a rationale for the difficulties they’ve experienced in their lives or that their issues were not just “in their head.”In most instances, an adult suffering from ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive interview with a qualified professional. This includes a review of the person’s medical family, personal, and medical background. Additionally, the specialist will likely ask the individual to rate his or her behavior on one or more of the standard ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are from research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who don’t have the disorder.The person will be asked about their symptoms and how they affect their life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.Comorbidities are frequently present in people who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts suggest that these comorbidities develop as maladaptive coping strategies to cope with the stressors that are typically caused by untreated ADHD.It is important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women. Many people with the disorder may struggle to be diagnosed due to long-held prejudices about the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect men and women. Some women are able to hide their symptoms more effectively and can lead to being diagnosed later or to an incorrect diagnosis.TreatmentIt can be beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to speak with an expert in mental health, preferably one with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. This individual can teach the adult strategies for managing their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, at work or school. They can also assist adults to recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.A mental health professional should examine an adult thoroughly for other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the individual’s symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person in question and others who know them well, a full psychiatric history and family medical history, as well as a thorough physical examination.It is important to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine if an adult suffers from a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional could also perform cognitive or neuropsychological testing to look at how the brain functions, and to determine the cause of the issues, such as the presence of a learning impairment or physical illness.Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by psychotherapy (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and cope with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can tackle the effects that stressors have on an individual’s abilities to perform.Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may give them the chance to meet other people with the same issues and discuss strategies to overcome them. These groups are usually organized by an advocacy or support group.The use of medication is also an option for many adults with ADHD. There are many medications available, including stimulants that increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate that is marketed as Ritalin). Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help control moods and decrease impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to discuss all treatment options with you.SupportAdults suffering from ADHD may have the disorder for years without realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are frustrated by everyday issues like not remembering appointments, making mistakes at work, or not paying attention to commitments to friends and family. It’s common for these people to feel a sense of relief when they receive a diagnosis, especially when they understand why they’ve struggled all their lives.A mental health professional is able to conduct an assessment for ADHD however, the primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist when needed. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist could also be qualified to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include professionals by specialty and can assist people in finding a health care provider who is experienced in ADHD in adults.During the examination the mental health professional will ask about the person’s past problems and how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is essential to be open and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can make a full assessment.Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, can aid people in managing their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people specific skills to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. Therapy is often combined with medications, which can help reduce the effects of the disorder.Social support groups can be beneficial for many adults ADHD patients. Having the chance to discuss their experiences with other people who are facing similar challenges can be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. A few of these groups are available online and are open for anyone with ADHD. Other groups are for specific groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or people who identify as gay or lesbian.Some people might feel embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms. This could make them less willing to seek assistance. However, a healthcare professional should explain that ADHD is not an indication of failing or weakness.