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Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms can persist throughout a person's life. As adults, these issues can have significant effects on family and work.
To get a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms you experience must have been present since childhood (technically before the age of 12). Your evaluator will go over your personal and medical history.
You might also want to speak with your partner, friends or colleagues. This helps them to see your problems from different angles.
Diagnosis
As with diagnosing children, adults who have ADHD must meet certain criteria to be considered for diagnosis. The symptoms should have been present for at least two years and be causing significant difficulties in daily functioning. This issue could be a result of school or relationships, work or other daily activities. People may have mild, moderate, or severe ADHD symptoms. Mild symptoms don't interfere with daily functioning and are often mistaken for other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Moderate symptoms can cause minor disruptions in social or work-related interactions. The severity of the symptoms can make it difficult to maintain relationships or keep the job.
ADHD sufferers can reach a tipping-point when they're unable to handle the demands of everyday life. They may lose their focus or make careless errors. They could also be impulsive or hyperactive which can cause problems in fulfilling their goals and obligations. They might have trouble recalling information and frequently forget the things they've been taught.
Request referral if you're struggling with your day-to-day life and suspect that you may have ADHD. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist or other specialist who can conduct an assessment. You may also ask a therapist you know or a family member to recommend someone who has experience with ADHD evaluations.
A health professional or psychologist will examine your medical history and perform an examination. They will also discuss your current issues with you. They will also ask about your experience having ADHD as a child. They'll also want to talk to your partner as well as any other important people in your life, such as your parents or your spouse. 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 be prescribed medication. The psychiatrist will collaborate with your GP and you to ensure that the medication works.
Medication
Medical treatments can be a beneficial treatment for adults suffering from ADHD however they're not the only option. Other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can also aid. adhd diagnosis for adults recommends that you speak with your doctor to find out more about your options.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your childhood, and how your life is today, and will conduct a physical exam and psychological test. (These are not usually required). Your evaluator might also ask you to speak to your spouse or family members, or other people who know you, to gain a different perspective about how your actions impact your life.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD depends on whether your symptoms are mild or severe. The symptoms must last at least six months and interfere with your relationships and work. You must also meet the diagnostic criteria. This means that your symptoms cannot be caused by a mental disorder or substance abuse disorder.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about your options. This includes strategies for managing behavior and medications. A majority of primary care physicians regularly evaluate and treat ADHD among children. Adults who suspect that they may have the condition should seek referral to an expert.
Stimulants, the medications that treat ADHD in adults, may cause adverse side effects like stomach problems, or increased depression and anxiety. They can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Some people experience tics, which are rapid, repetitive actions or sounds such as eye blinks or throat clearing. Some people with ADHD also have trouble sleeping when taking stimulants.
NIMH suggests talking to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding side effects from medications or possible clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, or treat illnesses and conditions. Clinical trials allow people to gain knowledge about their health and themselves and also the opportunity to help others. Visit the NIMH Clinical Trials page to learn more about clinical trials and find one that is appropriate for you.
Therapy
It is essential that adults with ADHD collaborate with their physician to treat the symptoms. Medication is one way to treat it, and there are many different kinds of drugs available. It is possible to try different dosages and medications before you discover the right one for you. A therapist can help understand your condition and learn how to manage its effects. They can also help you learn techniques to improve your attention span, self-management, and organization.
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often feel as if they are constantly being behind in work, school and in their relationships. Even the most tolerant friends, colleagues and partners may be annoyed by their behavior. They might be prone to forgetting appointments or missing deadlines, and making impulsive decisions that don't always go well.
Alongside medication, therapy can help adults with ADHD get organized, develop coping strategies and improve their lives. They can be taught to identify and alter bad habits, like using rewards for motivation or playing computer solitaire to relax after answering emails. One-on-one cognitive behavior therapy can also be helpful and help turn negative situations into positive ones. A therapist can help adults who have ADHD understand that their impulsivity does not necessarily indicate a bad character. It's a normal response to high levels of brain activity.
People suffering from ADHD are more at risk for anxiety and depression, so a therapist can teach them coping strategies to manage these issues. Other psychosocial treatments could include family therapy, group support networks and classes that focus on communication skills and conflict resolution. The Department of Work and Pensions offers a service called Access to Work, which aids in the payment of workplace accommodations, such as ADHD for those who are employed.
It's important to remember that not all therapists are created equal and you must choose carefully. You should pick one who you are comfortable with and who can empower you after a session, and who is knowledgeable about the type of therapy that you are interested in. For instance, if you're looking for a therapist who uses psychosocial techniques Ask your doctor to suggest someone. Child psychiatrists are especially knowledgeable about ADHD treatment and are able to recommend you.
Support
Individuals with ADHD might experience symptoms that are so disruptive that they require the evaluation of medical professionals. The evaluation is a discussion about the person's personal life, from childhood to present and how their issues affect work, school as well as relationships and other aspects of everyday life. It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD speak up candidly, without shame or fear of criticism.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD for adults in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5). These are the criteria a medical provider will review during the assessment.
It's important to bring along any documents that may shed light on your symptoms during your visit to medical professionals. This includes old report cards or notes from family members or parents. The person conducting the evaluation will likely also ask questions about the person's life and family background, and also conduct a physical examination and psychological tests.
You should remember that someone's inattention or impulsivity does not mean they are not able to complete their job or do other things. A ADHD person, for example is able to be creative and productive in a variety of ways, including painting, writing stories, or even designing things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can trigger many complex emotions, ranging from guilt about past mistakes to relief that they finally realize why they've had to struggle so much. "There's a lot of grief work that needs to happen, but once all the pieces are in place and people have that specific explanation, they can really take off," Matlen says.
People with ADHD often feel misunderstood by their coworkers or family members and friends. They may have trouble staying focused in conversations or meetings and are prone to distractions like social media and video games. Certain people with ADHD are told they're lazy or apathetic.
Supporting someone with ADHD can help them gain control of their symptoms at home and at work. They can utilize strategies and tools to improve their organization, like daily planners or apps for smartphones and can also seek out treatment options from a behavioral therapist who specializes in ADHD. Treatments may include psychotherapy or talk therapy, as in addition to accommodations, such as tools or changes to a person's surroundings which will assist them to better manage the condition. For example an accommodation could be a step stool to allow a shorter person to access higher shelves or other surfaces.
