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Adult ADHD Diagnosis For some people who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step to get treatment. They may be frustrated at work, in their homes or in their social lives due to symptoms such as being distracted or forgetting things. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves undergoing a thorough evaluation that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members using standardized tests and rating scales. This usually involves an examination of the body. Signs and symptoms A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of many adult lives. It can help them understand why they've struggled so long and understand their past choices. It could also provide them with hope for the future. If you're experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling that you'll never complete your task or are accused of being unreliable or lazy, obtaining an assessment is the first step towards finding the best treatment for you. For most adults, the signs appear in several areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area than another. They may be restless and impulsive at school but have trouble keeping up at work. They may forget to keep appointments or underestimate the amount of time required to complete their tasks. They may struggle to make friends or get into frequent disputes with their spouses. If the issues are severe they may affect daily living and lead to anxiety or depression. It is crucial to identify ADHD, but it's also crucial to determine what other factors may be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications are frequently the cause of symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the underlying problem is resolved, a thorough evaluation by a professional is required. Adults who suffer from ADHD do not show the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Hyperactivity is less obvious 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 within their work and social life. During the examination the doctor will examine the patient's medical history and how symptoms affect their daily lives. They will also ask about family history, and should they be able to ask a family member their perspectives on childhood behavior. They might also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests. In certain cases physical exams may be needed to rule out certain diseases that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. IamPsychiatry who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is especially important if the problems are related to work or school. Primary care providers can refer individuals to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessment and treatment. They should be able to disclose details about their level of training and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani suggests that anyone who is hesitant to share this information should be treated with suspicion. A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. For some, it finally gives an explanation for years of frustrations and self-criticism. Some people are relieved that they have an explanation for their struggles in life or that they weren't “just in their heads.” Adults suffering from ADHD are diagnosed with ADHD through an in-depth interview with a specialist. This may include a thorough review of the patient's medical family, personal, and medical history. In addition, the professional will likely request the person to rate his or her behaviors on one or more of the standardized ADHD behavior scales. These ratings are based on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't suffer from the disorder. The person will be questioned about the 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 often present among those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Common comorbidities with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts suggest these co-morbidities are maladaptive mechanisms to deal with the stressors that are typically associated with 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 both men and women. Some women are even better at hiding their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in getting it. Treatment It may be helpful for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health care who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. The person who treats adults can teach them 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 it. A mental health professional should examine an adult thoroughly because they may have other disorders similar to ADHD. This may include a detailed description of the condition and scales completed by the patient or other individuals who are familiar with him/her along with a family and psychiatric history and an extensive physical examination. A thorough assessment is essential to determine whether the adult has a comorbid condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neurologic or cognitive tests to determine how the brain works and to rule out other causes, including an illness that affects the body or a learning disability. Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults are able to benefit from individual therapy to boost their self-esteem and deal with the emotional baggage associated with ADHD. Behavioral therapies may also improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They can also tackle the effects that stressors have on an individual's abilities to perform. Certain people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy offers you the opportunity to meet others who have similar challenges and discuss ways to overcome them. These groups are usually run by an advocacy group or a support group. advocacy group. Many adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by medication. There are many medications that include stimulants (such as methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin) which increase the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help control moods and reduce impulse-driven behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about all your treatment options. Support Adults with ADHD may have the disorder for a long time without even realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments, making careless mistakes at work, or breaking family or friendship commitments can lead people to seek a diagnosis. These people often feel relieved when they receive an answer to their questions. A mental health professional could perform an ADHD evaluation, but a primary physician is usually a good starting point. If necessary, the physician may refer the patient to an expert. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist can also evaluate ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans list professionals according to their specialties. This can assist people in finding an expert in health care who is knowledgeable about ADHD among adults. During the evaluation, a mental health professional will ask about the person's past issues, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is essential to be honest and forthcoming during the assessment, so that the mental healthcare professional can provide a precise assessment. Therapy, or psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to alter their thinking and behavior. Therapy is often combined with medications, which can help reduce the effects of the disorder. Many adult ADHD patients benefit from social support groups. The chance to share their experiences with other people who are experiencing similar struggles can provide a lot of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are based online and are open to anyone who has ADHD. Some groups are for specific populations, like African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms. This can make them less willing to seek help. However, a healthcare professional should explain that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.