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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
For many, the symptoms of ADHD persist throughout their lives. As adults, these symptoms can have significant impacts on family and work.
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms you experience must have started in the early years of your life (technically before age 12). The evaluator will review your medical and personal history.
adult adhd diagnosis can also talk to your spouse, partner, friends and coworkers. This helps them view your problems from a different perspective.
Diagnosis
Adults suffering from ADHD must also meet certain criteria in order to be diagnosed. The symptoms have to be present for a minimum of two years and cause major difficulties with daily functioning. This problem may be caused by work, school, relationships, or daily activities. People may have mild, moderate, or severe ADHD symptoms. The symptoms that are mild do not interfere with daily functioning and are often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions to work or social interactions. In severe cases, it can be difficult to maintain jobs or maintain relationships.
ADHD sufferers may get to a point where they are unable to manage the demands of everyday life. They may become unorganized and make a lot of mistakes. They can also be hyperactive and impulsive which can cause them to struggle to meet goals and obligations. They might have trouble remembering things and often forget what they've been told.
Ask for an appointment if you're struggling with your daily life and suspect you have ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or another professional who can do an assessment. You may ask a therapist, or family member you know to recommend someone with expertise in ADHD assessments.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history, perform physical examination, and discuss your current issues with you. They will also ask about your experiences dealing with ADHD as a kid. They'll want to speak to the person you live with and other important people in your life too, such as your spouse or parents. They'll use this information to decide if you have ADHD and what type of ADHD you have--inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD Your psychiatrist will require an authority's approval prior to prescribing medication. New Zealand law requires that those suffering from ADHD take an additional step to receive medication. The psychiatrist will also work with you and your GP to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication, but it's not the only option. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle changes can also be helpful. NIMH recommends speaking with your doctor to find out more about the options available to you.
To determine whether you suffer from adult ADHD the healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you about your childhood and your life today, as a physical exam and psychological test (these aren't usually needed). Your evaluator may also ask you to talk to your spouse, family members, or any other close to you in order to get an alternative view of your behavior.
The severity of your symptoms will determine if you have adult ADHD. They have to be present for at least six months and must interfere with two major settings in your life, such as your work and relationships. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This includes that your symptoms are not explained by another mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH recommends that you talk with your doctor about your options. This includes behavioral strategies and medication. Many primary care providers routinely evaluate and treat ADHD in children, but adults who think they may be suffering from ADHD should request a referral to a mental health specialist.
Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults can cause negative side effects, such as stomach problems as well as depression, anxiety, and stomach problems. They can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Some people experience tics, which are sudden repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Some people suffering from ADHD have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH recommends that you speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding the side effects of treatments or potential clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that try new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to discover more about their health and themselves, as well as the opportunity to help others. You can learn more about clinical trials and select the right one for you by visiting NIMH's Clinical Trials webpage.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. You may have to test several medications and dosages to determine which one works best for you. A therapist can help you understand your condition and learn to better cope with its effects. They can also instruct you on strategies to improve your self-management, focus and organization.
Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD find themselves constantly behind at work, in school and in their relationships. Their behaviors can strain the patience of even the most tolerant coworkers, friends and partners. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines and making impulsive choices which don't always work out well.
In addition to medications therapy can also aid adults with ADHD organize themselves, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can learn how to identify and change undesirable behaviors, such as rewarding themselves for motivation or playing computer solitaire to unwind after completing emails. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is conducted one-on-one, can be very helpful. It can help to change negative situations into a more positive way. For instance a therapist can help adults with ADHD recognize that their impulsivity isn't an indication of bad character, it's just an inherent response to high levels of stimulation in the brain.
People with ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression, so a therapist can teach them strategies for coping to manage these conditions. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy as well as support groups for groups and classes focused on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions provides a service known as Access to Work, which assists in paying for workplace accommodations, such as ADHD, for individuals who are employed.
Be cautious when choosing the right counselor. There are many different therapists who are not alike. Look for someone you can trust and who can make you feel confident after a session and has experience in the kind of therapy you're interested in. Ask your psychiatrist for recommendations if seeking a psychosocial therapist. Children psychiatrists, specifically are well-informed of the treatment of ADHD and can refer you to an expert.
Support
For people who suffer from ADHD, their symptoms may be so disruptive that they have to see a physician to be evaluated. The evaluation involves a discussion about the person's life, from childhood to present and how their conditions impact school, work relationships, and other aspects of everyday life. It's important that people with ADHD open up honestly, without shame or fear of being judged.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria that a medical professional will take into consideration during the evaluation.
It is essential to bring any documents that could help you understand your symptoms during your visit to medical professionals. This could include old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the examination will likely inquire about the family history of the patient and life, and conduct a physical exam and some psychological tests.
It is important to keep in mind that just because someone is afflicted with inattention and impulsivity doesn't mean that they don't have the necessary abilities for their job or other tasks. A ADHD person, for example, can be productive and creative in many ways, such as painting, writing stories or designing things.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to a sense of relief when they finally realize why they've struggled so much. "There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of grief work but when people have a solid explanation and all the pieces fall into place it's like they're flying," Matlen explains.
People with ADHD are often misunderstood by their coworkers as well as their friends and family. They may struggle to stay focused during meetings or conversations and can be distracted by video games or social media. People who suffer from ADHD may even be told they're unmotivated or apathetic.
Being a supporter for someone with ADHD can assist them to get control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can employ strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners and smartphone apps and also seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments can include psychotherapy, also known as therapy for talking, as well as accommodations or modifications in the environment of a person to aid in managing their condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool to allow people who are shorter to access higher shelves or other surfaces.