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Adult ADHD Diagnosis For some, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is the first step towards treatment. They may be unhappy at work, at homes, or in their social lives due to symptoms such as being distracted or forgetting things. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult typically involves undergoing a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the individual and their family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes a physical examination, as well. Symptoms A diagnosis of ADHD may change the course of many adults' lives. It can help them understand why they've struggled so long and understand their past decisions. It can also give hope for an improved future. If you're struggling to locate your keys, feel that you can't finish your work, or are being labeled lazy or irresponsible, or have been accused of being lazy or irresponsible and need a diagnosis, then a diagnosis can help you find the right treatment for you. Most adults experience symptoms in different areas of their life but certain symptoms are more prevalent than others. They might be unruly and impulsive at school, but struggle to keep up with work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the amount of time needed to complete tasks. They may struggle to make friends or fighting with their spouses often. If these issues are serious, they may affect their the daily routine and can lead to depression or anxiousness. While it's essential to consider the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD, it's just as important to consider what other factors might be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health conditions, and certain medications can often cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough assessment by a trained professional is necessary to make sure that the underlying issue is being treated. Unlike children, adults with ADHD do not show the more obvious signs of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity are displayed more subduedly as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still in a chair. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display these symptoms more frequently because they are able to hide their inattentional behavior at work and in social lives. During an examination the doctor will go over the patient's medical history and examine the ways in which their ailments affect their daily life. They will also ask about family history and if possible, ask a family member their perspectives on childhood behavior. They can also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. In certain cases, a physical exam could be required to rule out illnesses that may mimic symptoms of ADHD. Diagnosis It's important for those who believe they might be suffering from ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care specialist, especially if the issues stem from work or school. Primary care providers may refer patients to mental health professionals who have experience in adult ADHD evaluations. Hamdani states that professionals who deal with adults with ADHD should be willing and able to provide information regarding their training and experience. Anyone who isn't willing to provide this information should be treated with suspicion, Hamdani adds. A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing diagnosis. For some, it provides an explanation for years of frustrations and self-criticism. Others feel a sense relief that there's a reason for the struggles they've faced in their lives or that their issues were not just “in their head.” In the majority of cases, an adult with ADHD will be diagnosed by conducting a thorough interview with a professional who is qualified. This will include a review the patient's medical, family, and personal background. Additionally, the specialist will likely ask the person to rate his or her behaviors on one or more of the standard ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are based on research that compares the behavior of people with ADHD and people who do not suffer from the disorder. The person will be questioned about the symptoms and how they 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. Comorbidities are frequently present among those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Common comorbidities with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are a result of maladaptive strategies for coping with the frustrations of untreated ADHD. It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for many people who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held biases about the symptoms and their impact on males and females. Some women can mask their symptoms more effectively, which can lead them to a delayed diagnosis or an inaccurate diagnosis. Treatment Adults who are diagnosed of ADHD may find it helpful to talk with a mental health professional particularly one who has experience treating adults with ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult strategies for managing their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, work or school. They can also help the adult recognize the reasons behind their behavior and what triggers it. Because a person may suffer from multiple conditions that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, it's important for an expert in mental health to evaluate the adult thoroughly. This could include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person who is being evaluated and by other people who know them well, a full medical and psychiatric history, and an exhaustive physical exam. It is important to conduct a thorough assessment in order to determine if an adult suffers from a comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also conduct neuropsychological or cognitive testing to look at how the brain functions and to rule out other causes of the problem, like an intellectual disability or physical illness. Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Individual talk therapy can help an adult build confidence in their self and manage the emotional baggage that often accompanies a diagnosis of ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can help improve the management of time, organization and impulse control. They can also address the impact of stressors on the individual's ability to perform. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy offers you the chance to meet others who have similar challenges and discuss how to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by a support group or an advocacy group. The use of medication is also an option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are many medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate which is also known as Ritalin). Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) help regulate moods and reduce impulse-driven behavior. Your Mercy doctor will discuss all of your treatment options with you. Support Many adults diagnosed with ADHD suffer from the condition for a long time, without realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are annoyed by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments or making a mistake at work, or ignoring the demands of friends and family. They often feel a sense of relief when they are given a diagnosis. A mental health professional can perform an assessment for ADHD, but a primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist in the event of need. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist may also be able to evaluate ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans have specialists according to their specialization and assist people in finding an expert in health care who is familiar with ADHD in adults. During the evaluation, a mental health professional will ask about the person's past problems and how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It's important to talk openly and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional is able to conduct a thorough evaluation. Therapy, also known as psychotherapy can assist people in learning to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Behavioral therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people how to change their behavior and thinking patterns. The combination of therapy and medication can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder. Social support groups can be beneficial for many adult ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with others who have similar issues can provide a lot of inspiration and motivation. Some of these groups are based online and are open to anyone who suffers from ADHD. Others are geared towards specific groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples afflicted by the disorder or those who identify as gay or lesbian. Some people may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment over their symptoms, which can hinder their desire to seek assistance. A medical professional must explain to the patient that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.