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ADHD Diagnosis in Adults The diagnosis of ADHD must be made by an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or a family physician). The symptoms are evaluated using standardized behavior ratings scales based upon research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD and those who don't. Medical examinations are also recommended as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems or seizures could mimic ADHD symptoms. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of ADHD are a major concern for most people who seek an assessment. They may have trouble keeping jobs or maintaining healthy relationships. They may also have difficulty to keep up with household chores. They might also be suffering from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse problems. The first step to getting a diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Your doctor may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is qualified to conduct the assessment. You can also ask the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or a medical school for recommendations. Some insurance plans include professionals according to specialty. During an evaluation, the mental health professional will review your medical and personal background and determine if you fit any of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. They are listed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. The doctor will look for inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to what others are saying or doing or not following instructions and ignoring details. People suffering from ADHD are usually distracted and have difficulty completing tasks, especially when they're not interested in them. People with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may be prone to running around and climb into places they shouldn't, interrupt conversations and games or play with other people's toys such as sports equipment or homework assignments. They aren't able to wait for their turn or play in a quiet manner. They are often asked questions before the questioner has thought it over, or they are eager to speak in a group setting at school, at work. They might have difficulty waiting for help or using money, and often miss appointments. A thorough mental health assessment is crucial prior to determining ADHD as a number of conditions may mimic the symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and certain medications and head injuries. A psychiatric assessment typically involves structured interviews that look into your personal, emotional and academic life. It could also include family and friend interviews. Your mental health specialist may conduct psychological testing to measure your working memory, executive functioning abilities and spatial and visual skills. Diagnosis When adults receive an ADHD diagnosis, it's usually life-changing. It can give a solid reason for the frustrations that they encounter every day: work problems or difficulties establishing relationships, conflict in relationships or a lack of financial stability. It may also help them understand the reasons they were labeled as unreliable or lazy in their early years. The symptoms of ADHD in adults vary over time which makes it difficult to diagnose than in children. To determine the cause of the disorder, doctors follow the guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This requires a thorough assessment that may include checklists of symptoms and standardized scales for assessing behavior and interviews with significant other people such as parents or spouses and teachers. In addition to a thorough interview, some doctors ask patients to complete questionnaires or psychological tests to measure executive functions, working memory (such as planning, decision-making and spatial and vision abilities) and reasoning (thinking). Some doctors may also request bloodwork, a physical examination or a brain scan, depending on the individual. It is important for a physician to look at possible co-occurring disorders that could be the cause of ADHD, including mood disorders, learning disabilities, substance use, or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). In the course of an evaluation, a doctor might also interview the patient's family and acquaintances to learn more regarding the condition. Many people who suffer from ADHD forget important events from their childhood, particularly when they're suffering from emotional distress. It's not uncommon for doctors to ask parents or other family members to fill out a retrospective ADHD report describing a child's behavior and school performance. Some patients are hesitant to seek a diagnosis because they don't believe that their issues are serious. However, for those suffering from undiagnosed ADHD, the consequences of a delayed or missed diagnosis can be devastating. Treatment The first step to finding treatment for adults with ADHD is to obtain a diagnosis. Most people who suffer from ADHD begin by speaking to their primary healthcare provider who will refer them to a mental health specialist. A psychiatric evaluation typically includes an explanation of symptoms as well as interviews with the patient as well as other sources outside of the patient, like spouses and friends and complete of ADHD symptoms checklists, standardized scales for behavioral and psychometric testing such as tests for learning disabilities and intelligence. It is also essential to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorder. The stigma associated with adhd is often the most difficult part of the diagnosis for adults. Untreated ADHD can cause an adult to feel like a failure in areas such as relationships and work. Receiving a diagnosis can help them understand what's going on and realize that it's not their fault said research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M. Psych, who specializes in adhd uk diagnosis in adults. Discussion of your symptoms with colleagues teachers, supervisors and coworkers could be beneficial. They'll be able to better understand your issues by educating them about ADHD. They might offer small adjustments, like giving you more time to complete assignments or providing you with a quiet place to study. In many cases, you'll see that co-workers and instructors are more understanding than you may have thought. If you're considering trying medications for your ADHD Talk to your primary care provider about the possibility of participating in an clinical trial. These trials are intended to test new ways to prevent and treat illnesses and conditions. You will have access to the latest treatments and therapies before they become widely available. ADHD medications can help you improve your ability to focus, follow instructions and control impulsive behavior. But, it's important to combine medication with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping skills, help you establish healthy routines and to manage your feelings of sadness and shame about past failures. It will help you understand how your ADHD interferes with your family and relationship dynamics. Counseling Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for many adults. Many adults have been struggling with impulsive, unorganized or inattentional behaviors for a long time before they understood the reason. Receiving a diagnosis enables them to realize that their problems aren't a result of being unlucky or unsuccessful. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis is to conduct an interview with a mental health professional. During the interview, the person is asked about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, both personally and professionally. The doctor will want to learn about the person's past especially from their childhood. This may include asking about past diagnoses or other mental health issues. It may be beneficial to have a close family member or friend accompany you during the interview. They can assist you in remember details. During the test during the evaluation, the individual will be asked to complete psychological tests to assess their executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial skills and reasoning skills. It is important to answer all questions honestly and completely so that an accurate assessment of the abilities of a person can be obtained. It is important to not conceal information during an interview because of embarrassment. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit signs that are causing significant impairment in at least two settings. For example, the person must struggle at work or school and experience issues with relationships because of their ADHD symptoms. Counseling can assist those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to understand how to manage their symptoms and devise strategies to succeed at school, work, and in relationships. This can include individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and learning how to manage impulsive and inattentive behavior. It is also recommended that individuals who have been diagnosed as having ADHD seek out marriage and family counseling to deal with the issues that may arise due to their symptoms. Other kinds of counseling that could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD include OT (occupational therapy) and yoga practices that combine the physical benefits of exercise and the psychological benefits of meditation. OT can assist people with ADHD establish structure and routines and yoga can teach breathing and relaxation techniques to help promote mental peace.