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Adult ADHD Diagnosis A diagnosis of adult ADHD could be the first step to seeking treatment for some people. They may be frustrated in their jobs, homes or social lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often subjected to an extensive evaluation that involves interviewing them and their families, and taking standardized tests. This usually involves a physical examination. Signs and symptoms A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of many adults' lives. It can help people understand why they've struggled for so long and help them make sense of their past choices. It can also give them hope for a better future. Whether you are struggling with losing your keys, feeling like you can never finish your work, or being accused of being lazy or irresponsible, getting an assessment is the first step to finding the right treatment for you. For most adults, symptoms appear in several areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area than the other. They might be impulsive and unfocused at school, but have difficulty in keeping up with their work. They might forget appointments or struggle to estimate how much time they need to complete their work. They may be unable to make friends or fighting with their spouses frequently. If these problems are severe they could affect daily living and lead to depression or anxiety. While it's crucial to think about the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD, it's just as important to consider the other factors that could be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and medications can cause symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough examination by a qualified professional is required to be sure that the root cause is being addressed. Adults with ADHD do not show the same symptoms of hyperactivity that children do. Instead, the signs of hyperactivity present themselves more subtly as fidgeting or a difficulty sitting in the chair. Women with ADHD tend to display these symptoms more frequently because they are able to hide their inattention within their social and professional lives. During an examination during an assessment, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and examine the ways in which their ailments affect their daily lives. They will also request the family history of the patient and, if it is possible, talk to a loved one to gain their view on the behavior of children. They may also conduct psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some cases it is necessary to perform a physical examination in order to rule out specific illnesses that can cause symptoms that are associated with ADHD. Diagnosis Adults who suspect they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is particularly important if the problems are related to school or work. Primary healthcare providers can refer people to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessments and treatment. www.iampsychiatry.uk says that professionals who deal with adults with ADHD should be willing and able to share information about their training and experiences. Anyone who is reluctant to share this information will be regarded with suspicion, Hamdani adds. Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. It provides an explanation to years of self-criticism and frustration for some. Some people are relieved that there is an explanation for their difficulties in life or that they aren't “just in their heads.” Adults who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed through an in-depth interview with a specialist. This includes a thorough examination of the person's personal, family and medical history. The doctor will also ask the patient to rate their behavior using one or a variety of different ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are from research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those who don't suffer from the disorder. The individual will also be asked about how the symptoms impact their lives. 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. The people who are diagnosed of adult ADHD often have coexisting conditions, called comorbidities. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are all common comorbidities associated with ADHD. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive strategies for dealing with the frustrations associated with untreated ADHD. It's important to note that ADHD is more prevalent in women than men. Many people with the disorder may struggle to diagnose due to long-held prejudices about the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect both men and women. Some women can mask their symptoms more effectively and can lead to a delayed diagnosis or an inaccurate diagnosis. Treatment It can be beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health care who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The professional can help adults learn behavior strategies to help them manage their symptoms and improve their performance at the workplace, at school or at home. They can also assist adults to learn to understand why their behavior is different and what triggers them. A mental health professional must thoroughly evaluate an adult for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the individual's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person who is being evaluated and by other people who know them well, a complete medical and psychiatric history, and an extensive physical examination. A thorough examination is important for determining whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid disorder, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional could also conduct neuropsychological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to determine the cause of the issues, such as the presence of a learning impairment or physical illness. Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults can benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and cope with the emotional baggage associated with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help 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 with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This kind of therapy gives you the chance to meet people who face similar issues and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by a support or advocacy group. There is also a treatment option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of medications available which include stimulants that boost the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for example, methylphenidate, which is also known as Ritalin). Others assist in regulating moods and decrease impulsive behavior, like antidepressants or the anti-psychotic drug bupropion (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about all your treatment options. Support Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from the disorder for many years without realizing it. They might seek an evaluation due to their frustration with daily challenges like forgetting appointments, making mistakes at work, or neglecting the demands of friends and family. People often feel relieved when they are given the diagnosis. A mental health professional may conduct an ADHD evaluation, but the primary physician is typically the best place to start. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist could also be able to evaluate ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists according to their specialization and help people find an expert in health care who is knowledgeable about ADHD in adults. During the assessment, the mental health professional will ask questions about the person's behavior, which could include previous issues and how they have been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It's important to talk openly and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional is able to complete a thorough assessment. Psychological counseling, or therapy can assist people in learning to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Behavioral therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to modify their thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. Many adult ADHD patients benefit from support groups for adults. The chance to share their struggles with others who have similar struggles can provide a lot of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are accessible online and are open for anyone with ADHD. Some groups are specifically for groups, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples afflicted by the disorder or those who identify as gay or lesbian. Some people might feel embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms. This can make them less willing to seek help. A health professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.