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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults People with ADHD may have symptoms that resemble depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is required. Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or interviews with professionals and teachers who know you. Symptoms The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks, including managing one's time and planning ahead. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can struggle at work, have difficulty staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or arrive late to events. They may also have difficulty staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with an emaciated look. The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the examination of the symptoms. They have to be present for at least six months and cause problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of their condition however, their frustrations in daily life can lead them to seek help. They might begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they sabotage plans or are unable to listen to their companions and their family lives may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores. In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing depending on the need. Based on the individual's specific problems, these tests can provide valuable information on the ways in which ADHD affects the individual and determine if there are comorbidities. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently linked to ADHD. It is important to select the right specialist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social workers. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, but you should do some research and ensure that the expert is licensed and certified within the state you reside in. You can also look up the professional background of the doctor and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved once they receive an assessment. They can stop worrying about whether their problems result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms. Diagnosis Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms of ADHD are attributed to other factors like stress or medical illnesses. Genre, gender and race may influence the diagnosis of a patient. Women and people of color, for example, may be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men and whites. In the end, many adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD aren't getting the help they need until much later in their lives. A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with them. They may ask their spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to answer questions and will be subject to a series of tests, including the psychological assessment and an interview. For a diagnosis, one must prove that at least five signs have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms have caused impairments in two different areas of life like school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also essential that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12. During the assessment an examiner will go over the person's medical background and family history, as well as anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health conditions and substance abuse and other physical conditions. In fact, it isn't unusual for these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD. It is essential to find an expert in mental health that has worked with adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their education and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information you should not work with them. Treatment The decision to treat ADHD in adults is left to each individual. While a diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many options available to adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms. Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This will include a detailed description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his family, friends and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires and scales. A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which requires that a patient show at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment are losing a job due to issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships and not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress at school. A complete assessment may include, in addition to the clinical interview tests for psychological testing that assess executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD and its treatment may conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation. For some individuals the use of behavioral therapy could be beneficial in managing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It helps a person learn how to control his own behavior and also how to boost confidence in himself. It also helps the person learn to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse. Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a study designed to test new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with diagnosis of adhd about the risks and benefits associated with taking part in a trial. Counseling Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the disorder for a long time. The strain of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or relationship issues, may eventually cause people to realize they require professional assistance. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get therapy from a therapist who is specialized in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to locate these health care professionals, ask your primary care physician or contact the organization CHADD for recommendations. During the initial evaluation the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine if physical or emotional issues may be contributing to your ADHD. The therapist will interview you and, if applicable your spouse. Each spouse or partner are required to take part in the assessment. This will help them better understand each one's ADHD symptoms and how they affect their relationship. The therapist will assess your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine if you have moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the effects of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and at home. After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will recommend treatment options. These could include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist you in changing negative thought patterns and boost self-esteem. They could also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses. Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you to a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40insurance companies and typically requires a co-pay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Another option is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also offer medication management.