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People with ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are similar to 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 interview with professionals and teachers who know you.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with everyday tasks, like managing one's schedule and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD can struggle at work, have difficulty keeping up in school and may find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or turn up late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention to conversations or appear distracted with an emaciated look.

The symptoms are evaluated to determine whether ADHD is present. They have to be present for at least 6 months and cause problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of their problem however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life may prompt them to seek assistance. They may fall behind in their work due to missing important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer when they sabotage plans or fail to listen to their companions, and their family life can be fraught because of their inability to follow through on household chores.

A certified professional can also conduct tests for learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can be helpful in determining the extent to which ADHD affects a person, and also if comorbid conditions are present. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently related to ADHD.

It is important to choose a specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. Professionals who are certified include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social specialists. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is also wise to do some research and ensure that the specialist you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also look up the specialist's professional background and ask for references of previous patients or clients. These steps will allow you to identify a specialist who can assess your child or yourself for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed, it can be a great relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry that their failings are due to insanity or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.

Diagnosis

It isn't easy for adults to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical issues. Additionally gender, sex, and race can all play a role in the likelihood that someone receives a proper diagnosis. For example women and people of color are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than whites and men. IamPsychiatry suffering from ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.

A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment that looks at the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will inquire about the symptoms, and consult with people who are familiar with the person's symptoms. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to fill out questionnaires and may undergo a series of tests, including an evaluation of their psychological condition and an interview.


For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of life, like work, school or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The professional must also establish that the symptoms began before the age of 12.

During the examination the examiner will look over the person's medical history including family history, mood and anxiety disorders, other mental health conditions and alcohol abuse, as well as other physical conditions. In fact, it isn't common for any of these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.

It is crucial to find a professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Most qualified professionals will be willing to share information about their education and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information you should avoid working with them.

Treatment

In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many options available to adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.

The majority of health professionals will employ a thorough evaluation process to assess the condition of an individual. This includes a description of the symptoms by the individual or his closest family members, friends members and teachers; completing of scales and questionnaires; a full medical and psychiatric history; and, sometimes, a referral to a physician to conduct a physical examination.

A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing work due to issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues, or not paying bills on-time.

A complete assessment may include along with the interview with a psychologist tests for psychological testing that assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests can be administered by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.

Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person to develop strategies for managing his own behavior and increase his self-esteem. It can also teach the person how to deal with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.

Some people suffering from ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a research study designed to test the effectiveness of new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. People should talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of participating in the clinical trial.

Counseling

Many people diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the condition for many years. Whether it's frustration with their job or relationship issues or the stress of living with ADHD could finally cause someone to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder may be able to assist you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may prescribe medication. If you don't know where to find these professionals, consult your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.

In the initial assessment, the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist will also look over your medical records to determine whether physical or emotional issues may have contributed to your ADHD. The therapist will interview you, and if appropriate your spouse. It is crucial that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to get more understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and their impact on their relationship.

The therapist will evaluate your symptoms based on 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 whether you suffer from moderate, mild or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions, and your home.

After assessing your symptoms the health professional will suggest a treatment plan. These can include lifestyle changes, therapy and medication. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could increase your self-esteem as well as assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They may also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.

Amwell, an online telehealth service, will connect you with a doctor who specializes in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth service which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or to meet your deductible when you pay out through your pocket. Another alternative is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also provide medication management.